Heaven gained a wonderful, caring angel. He raised himself out of his wheelchair and walked through Heaven’s gates and is healed! Richard Lee Wierenga (Dick), 68, peacefully left this world on December 11, 2018.
Dick is survived by his beloved mother, Delores; sister, Jan Wierenga; brothers, Robert (Helen) Wierenga and Harold Jr. (Sherry) Wierenga; niece, Kari (Mark) Maier; nephews, Harold III (Ashley) Wierenga, Ryan (Janeen) Wierenga, Matt (Tania) Wierenga, Jeremy Wierenga; great-nieces and nephews: Lily, Gavin, Alex, Ella, Colette, Annaleigh, Zaina, Leo, and Harold IV (Henry). He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Wierenga Sr. Dick graduated from GHHS in 1969. He worked for Bastian Blessings, National Products, and Falcon Tool.
He was a life-long member of Second Reformed Church where he played softball and bowled in the church leagues. Dick loved spending time with his family and helping wherever possible. He coached baseball and softball and loved watching his niece and nephews play sports.
He was always there to help family and friends with projects. He loved to babysit his nieces and nephews, which always meant getting into trouble with them. Sometimes he was more of a kid than them, and he was proud of that fact.
Dick was an avid sports fan; he loved the Tigers and the West Michigan Whitecaps. He enjoyed going to games and getting autographs while hanging out with his baseball buddies. Dick was also a loyal, kind caregiver to his mother and father.
In January of 2016, Dick fell and broke his neck, leaving him a quadriplegic. While many would have given up, he decided it was his goal to go to the opening day of the Whitecaps and recover and walk again. He was determined in his rehabilitation!
While walking with assistance and a walker, Dick showed amazing courage while radiating a positive energy; affecting everyone he met. The family would like to thank everyone who lovingly supported Dick. To all the staff at Grand Pines Assisted Living, the family deeply appreciates the love, kindness, and support that was given to Dick.
Thank you to the Pines for giving him the best quality of life which was more than we could have ever imagined. This compassion and love for Dick enriched his life immensely. Thank you also to the staff at North Ottawa Community Hospital and Hospice of North Ottawa Community.
A Memorial Service for Dick will be held Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Second Reformed Church in Grand Haven, with Pastor Dan Eisnor officiating. Visitation will be on February 8, 2019 from 6 to 9 p.m. also at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family request’s donations be made in Richard Wierenga’s name to the Whitecaps Community Foundation.
Memorials may be sent to: Whitecaps Community Foundation, 4500 W. River Dr. NE, Box 428, Comstock Park, MI 49321, or on their website www. whitecapscommunityfoundation.org. Donations may be made to: Whitecaps Community Foundation 4500 W. River Dr. NE, Box 428, Comstock Park MI 49321 Web: www.
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