William Drenth, 1921-2016

Published 9:21 am Friday, December 2, 2016

William Albert Drenth, 95, of Kentwood went to his heavenly home Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, after a long illness, which he faced with strength of character.

Bill was born Jan. 6, 1921, to Henry and Geeltje Drenth in Hartley, Iowa. He and his wife, Hermina, spent most of their lives in Hollandale. Bill worked as a fuel oil distributor, then as assistant warehouse manager at Hollandale Marketing Association.

William Drenth

William Drenth

In 2003, Bill and Hermina moved to Kentwood to be closer to their daughter. Throughout his life Bill served actively in Christian Reformed Church and he loved the Lord with all his heart. He loved to take his family on fishing vacations and he loved to sing hymns. He was the ultimate handyman. There was seemingly nothing he couldn’t fix or come up with a solution for, even into his final days. He attributed these skills to growing up in the Depression when there was no money to buy or fix anything.

Bill’s family includes his dear wife of 69 years, Hermina; his late son, Albert; daughter, Elaine K. Drenth; grandsons Robb Haagsman and his wife, Emily Beaver, and Brian Haagsman; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family gives special thanks go to members of Princeton Christian Reformed Church for their prayers and visits; Shandra and Debbie from Spectrum Health Hospice for the wonderful support and care; Kim Beelen for her support and friendship, and to their gracious God for walking with them every step of the way. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Stroo Funeral Home with the Rev. Jerry De Vries officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Princeton CRC Building Fund, 5330 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508. The family will greet visitors from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE in Grand Rapids, Michigan.