Nelson Zeerip

Nelson Zeerip, age 76, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, February 24, 2021. He died at home while surrounded by his wife, his children, and several of his grandchildren. Nelson fought hard for two years, but ultimately lost a battle to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

Nelson was born on July 18, 1944 in Zeeland, Michigan. His parents were William (Bill) and Alida Zeerip. He grew up as one of seven children on the family farm and graduated from Zeeland High School in 1962. After high school Nelson served in the United States Army. Nelson married Mary Bush on December 4, 1964 and they had two children, Bough and Jennifer. Nelson and Mary raised their family in Beaverdam, Michigan, and they were members of Beaverdam Reformed Church where Nelson served as both a deacon and an elder. Nelson also supported and served on the board of Beaverdam Christian School. Nelson and Mary moved to Holland in 1995. During his work career Nelson worked for many years at Prince Corporation and then Hamilton Industrial Products. He ultimately opened his own successful custom machine shop, Industrial Machining Services (I.M.S.), in Zeeland. Mary died suddenly in 2003, and Nelson was remarried to Joan Hannah Weldon on February 25, 2005. Nelson was a faithful member and supporter of Central Wesleyan Church for the past 25 years.

Nelson loved his family and lived his life for others. He was known to give of his time and resources to those in need and was always encouraging his children and grandchildren right up to the last days of his life. Nelson also enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, and hunting. He especially enjoyed boating and pulling his grandchildren on the tube. He and his family also shared many memories at their cabin on Drummond Island.

Nelson is preceded in death by his first wife of 40 years; Mary Zeerip, his parents; William Rihn Zeerip and Alida Mae (VerHoven) Zeerip, and three of his brothers; Kenneth Zeerip, Donald Zeerip, and Willard (Bill) Zeerip.

Nelson is survived by his wife of 16 years, Joan Weldon Zeerip; his children, Jennifer Pazdur and husband Ryan, of Byron Center, Michigan, and Bough Zeerip and wife Rebekah, of Grand Junction, Colorado; and his brother, sisters and sisters in law, Russel Zeerip and wife Fran, Janice Rockhold and husband Richard, Mary Sal and husband Don, Mary Jo Zeerip and Dorothy Zeerip. Nelson was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren age 10 to 17.

Nelson and Joan wanted to specially thank the nursing staff at Lemmen Holton Cancer Center who were a great support to Nelson, and served him so well during the past couple of years.

There was a graveside service at Beaverdam Cemetery on Saturday, February 27, 2021.

There will be a life celebration and memorial service at Central Wesleyan Church in Holland, Michigan on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at 10:30 AM with a lunch reception to follow.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Holland, Michigan.