Patsy Wassenaar

Age 81, a resident of Cascade and Saugatuck Townships, passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side on Saturday, August 26, 2017. She was born on July 17, 1936 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of the late Harry and Lucy (Allen) Werkema. She was also preceded in death by her "adopted son" Russell Pierson, a WWII veteran. Patsy will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 63 years, Gordon Wassenaar; her children, Craig Wassenaar (Kate Houseman), Marcia (Douglas) McCombs, Ken Wassenaar, Susan (Todd) Henderson and Lisa (Brad) Quist; her 17 grandchildren, her 20 great grandchildren and her beloved dog Buddy. She is also survived by her siblings Harry (Patricia) Werkema and Steven (Karen) Werkema. Patsy was a successful realtor and a leading antique dealer in West Michigan. She was known to have the finest collection of antique furniture in the Midwest, with clients throughout the United States, but she was best known for her generosity and big heart. She was a woman of great faith in God, supporting her husband Gordon for many years in the ministries of Campus Crusade for Christ and RBC Ministries (now known as Our Daily Bread Ministries). A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Thousand Oaks Golf Club in Grand Rapids at 4100 Thousand Oaks Drive NE, with a reception immediately following. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Campus Crusade for Christ or Our Daily Bread.