Gerrit John Wierda, Jr.

Gerrit John Wierda, Jr., 90, of Goshen and formerly of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away Saturday afternoon, February 14, 2015 at The Maples at Waterford Crossing. He was born August 17, 1924 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Gerrit John and Tena (Jaarsma) Wierda, Sr. On October 23, 1948 he married Virginia Case. She died October 23, 2009. Survivors include a daughter, Deborah (David) Ott of Goshen; two sons, Christopher (Kaye) Wierda of Castle Pines, Colorado and Gerrit Lee (Carolyn) Wierda of Bay City, Michigan; seven grandchildren, Brian (Lauren), Stephen (Sarah) and Justin Ott, Jennifer (Jason) Bechtel, Gerrit Michael Wierda, and McKenzie and Katherine Wierda; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a brother, Edwin Wierda. A longtime Michigan resident, Mr. Wierda attended the University of Michigan, where he played basketball. During his senior year, 1948, the last year there were nine teams, the University of Michigan won the basketball championship in what is now known as the Big Ten. For thirty years he owned and operated Art Sample Furniture in Saginaw, Michigan. Mr. Wierda was also a decorated World War II Army veteran. He received the Purple Heart twice. Cremation will take place at Yoder-Culp Crematory and services will be held later in Michigan.