Winfield Carl Kerkstra

Winfield “Carl” Kerkstra, age 83, went to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, November 11, 2021. Carl was preceded in death by his parents Alco and Jeanette Kerkstra; infant sister, Faith; and sister, Sharon Ratering. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Annetta Kerkstra; children Terri (Arden) Dalman, Jeff (Holly) Kerkstra, Tom (Sherry) Kerkstra, and Doug (Tara) Kerkstra; grandchildren Michael (Valerie) Horjus, Jason (Julie-Ann) Horjus, Lindsey (Cubby) Baas, Kelsey (Jason) Beukema, Allison (Tyler) Troost, Mitchell Kerkstra, Olivia Kerkstra, Caitlin Kerkstra (Fiance' Devon Schneider), Becca (Dan) Sibilla, Michaela Kerkstra, Victoria Kerkstra, and Tyler Kerkstra; stepgrandchildren Doug (Kelly) Dalman, Mark (Holly) Dalman, Ron Centers; several great-grandchildren; brother, Paul Kerkstra; In-laws Bob Ratering, Rich (Pat) Valk, Evelyn Kloostra, Wilma (Gary) Huizenga, Dorothy (Dick) Haaksma, Beverly Kloostra; and many nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends.

Carl was born in Grand Rapids and grew up in Wyoming, MI. He married Annetta, the love of his life, in1960. While raising their four children, he was Sunday school superintendent at Woodward Ave. Baptist Church for many years and started the printing department at Seidman in Grand Rapids. He eventually owned and operated Paris Press, Inc. for 22 years.

He was passionate about the Bible and prayer and could be found every morning reading the Bible and praying through his prayer list. His passion led him to minister in several ways. He generously and humbly gave of his time and money, and cared for anyone with whom he came into contact. Through the years, he and Annetta took several young men into their home to help them through tough times, and he was there for his kids and grandkids any time of the day or night. As part of Forgotten Man Ministries, he led young men in jail to the Lord. He also led many Bible studies in his home, mentoring and caring for so many. His love and knowledge of the Bible was evident in every area of his life. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation with friends and relatives will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, November 19, 2021 at Wellspring Community Church, 4466 Bauer Road, Hudsonville, MI 49426. When in attendance, we kindly ask that all non-vaccinated guests wear a face covering and practice social distancing for their safety and the well-being of the family. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Wellspring Community Church. Visitation with the family will take place one hour prior to service. In honor of Carl and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Forgotten Man Ministries. A private interment will be at Georgetown Cemetery. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.