Wayne Gerald Melpolder

Melpolder, Wayne Gerald (Jerry) 7/23/1927 - 9/24/2020 Grand Rapids Jerry was called home to be with his Lord on September 24, 2020.

He was preceded in death by his son, Doug Melpolder and his precious granddaughter, Emily Dykehouse. Jerry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kay (Kathryn) and their children: Daryl Melpolder (Jim Dunn), Pam Dykehouse, Mary (Doug) VanDeRiet, Patti Gutowski, Dan (Tami) Melpolder and Nancy (Scott) Cowell, 16 grandchildren: Brittany (Josh) Pearson, Brad Melpolder, Heather Golden, Sarah, Laura and Amanda Dykehouse, Kyle (Taylor) VanDeRiet, Kristen (Kevin)Kredit and Julie VanDeRiet, Alicia and Amy Gutowski, Trista Hondorp, Danica and Tori Melpolder, Morgan and Allison Cowell, 8 great-grandchildren, sister, Judy Hakken, and sister-in-law, Marilyn Stellema, many special friends, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He served our country in the US Navy prior to pursuing his dream of teaching. He is best remembered for his 43-year teaching career mainly at Northview Schools followed by 12 more years of volunteering in the classroom at East Oakview. In 2004, he was nominated by his principal, Judy Care, for the Presidential Volunteer Award and received a certificate of award from President George W. Bush.

A memorial service will be held at Oakview Community Church, 4242 Plainfield NE on Wednesday, September 30 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made and appreciated to Spectrum Community Services, 1111 40th Street, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 in care of the Springmont Home Western Region to benefit the services provided for his special granddaughter, Morgan Cowell

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