Gordon Larink

Life story notes for Gordon E. Larink

• Gordon was born in Grand Rapids on May 25, 1923 to Edward (Adrian) Larink and Goldie

Hoadley. Gordon was joined by younger twin brothers, Jack and Jim.

• The family lived on the corner of Caulfield and Franklin.

• As a young boy, Gordon learned to save his money. He loved to tell the story of

his neighbor, Sonny, who was about the same age. They went to the local fair

with an aunt and had to save enough money (5 cents) to be able to ride the trolley

back. Gordon was able to save his nickel and ride back on the trolley with the

aunt, but Sonny always had to walk.

• Gordon loved to work on cars and ride bikes and spent a lot of time doing so.

• He learned to play piano at a young age, having learned to play by ear. Late in life

he determined to learn to read music well, and he did.

• Gordon loved to travel by car and visited most of the 50 states with his family,

stopping at points of interest along the way.

• He attended South High School and graduated in 1941. Gordon enlisted in the

Marine Reserves, and never left Grand Rapids, serving here for two years.

• He attended Heaney Business College in the Grand Rapids area and met a fellow

student named Henrietta Koetsier. The couple dated for several years and married

on June 5, 1953.

• Gordon worked for the United States District Court, as a deputy clerk for 31 years

retiring in 1988. He enjoyed his work and made lifelong friendships with many

colleagues.

• For enjoyment in his spare time he took an interest in guns. He was a member of

the Grand Rapids Rifle and Pistol club for 12 years. The club was involved in

many competitions around the state of Michigan.

• Gordon was a member of Fifth Reformed Church for some time. In 1968 he and

his wife joined Richmond Reformed Church. He served as an elder many times,

calling on the shut-ins. He also involved in the Sunday School program and Worship

Committee. Later after his wife passed away, he joined 7th Reformed

Church.

• Gordon’s children served as Christian workers in various places. Gordon and

Henrietta traveled to visit those places, including England, Kenya, Japan and

Thailand.

• Favorite day: when he married Henrietta.

• Gordon loved the Lord and very much enjoyed reading and studying the scriptures.

He was devoted to prayer and enjoyed spending time weekly in a Men’s

(2 Chronicles 7:14) Morning Prayer group at his church. At home, he was an avid

listener to many radio bible study broadcasts, such as J. Vernon McGee.

• Gordon spent his last couple of years at the Christian Rest Home. He was a favorite

patient of the excellent nursing and care staff who worked there.

LARINK, Gordon E.

Grand Rapids, MI

Age 95, passed away into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on July 25, 2018. Gordon was born May 25, 1923 to the late Adrian and Goldie (Hoadley) Larink in Grand Rapids. He was a member of Seventh Reformed Church and will be remembered for his godliness and servant's heart. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Henrietta and daughter, Ruth Ann. Surviving are his children, Thomas Larink, Marilyn (Jeff) German; grandchildren, Abbie Larink, Eric Larink, Stephen (Cari Ann Litz) German, Evan German, Rachel German, Ryan German; brothers, Jack (Carole) Larink, Jim Larink; and several nieces, nephews & cousins. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 28 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, where friends may visit on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Interment will be in Cascade Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators. Please visit Gordon's personalized web page to read more of his life story, leave a memory or condolence at www.lifestorynet.com.