Kenneth Oosterink

Today we honor the life of Kenneth Oosterink who passed away at the age of 95 on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Ken demonstrated his love of family, his commitment to community, and his foundation of faith in all he did. Through his steadfast belief in God’s strength and love, Ken sought every opportunity to minister to those around him. Born to Jacob and Katherine Oosterink, Ken grew up as the fourth child in a family of seventeen children. These early years of support and constant love shaped his perspective and helped him gain confidence. Throughout his life, he looked back on his upbringing and thanked God for the blessing of his family. After serving as an Army Military Police officer during the Korean War, Ken began a family of his own with his beloved wife, Jane. They raised five children and together celebrated the births of grandchildren and great-grandchildren before Jane’s passing in 2013 after 60 years of marriage.

During the early years of their marriage, Ken committed himself to be an active participant in the Jenison community. He joined the PTA, band boosters, and athletic boosters. He became a member of the church choir, taught Sunday school, played on the church softball league and was active in Evangelism Explosion. He consistently showed up for his children to support them in their interests. Furthermore, he committed himself to his career at Osterink Construction. He built things to last. He also knew the strength of Duct tape and could always find a creative solution to a problem.

Ken knew the importance of hard work, but he also found time to clown around. In fact, he took on the role of “Dutchy the Clown” in the very first Jenison Memorial Day Parade. He donned his overalls, black hat, floral tie, and red nose for 46 years of the parade. Forty-six years of Jenison children may remember the cheerful clomp of Dutchy’s wooden shoes cutting across Baldwin. Ken made sure every child received candy from his orange sack. After he ended his days of clowning around, Ken still showed up for the Memorial Day Parade to ride alongside fellow veterans.

Though he claimed to be shy in his younger years, Ken will be warmly remembered by the many people he welcomed as a greeter at Fair Haven Church. He and Jane with their family were charter members of Fair Haven Church. Ken never missed an opportunity to make a connection with someone. He knew the power of God’s love to reach those in need, and he used every chance to spread the word of God or share his testimony.

After retirement from Osterink Construction, Ken turned to a season of cultivation. He continued to maintain a beautiful garden each summer and often entered his flowers and vegetables in the Hudsonville Fair. He also worked part time in a greenhouse in Allendale and helped family members with a number of building projects. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and family camping. He celebrated seeing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. He reflected often on his blessings from God. He found his greatest joy in giving back. For ten summers, he volunteered as a counselor for Camp Rainbow and became known as the “praying counselor” for always praying over his campers by name. He also enjoyed serving on mission trips to Mississippi and Alaska.

Ken truly lived out his faith and encouraged others to do the same. He is now with Christ in Glory.

Kenneth Oosterink, son of Jacob and Katherine (Isenga) Oosterink was born July 12, 1929. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Jane (Baar) Oosterink; great-granddaughter, Indigo Elizabeth Altman; sisters Gertrude Becker, Esther Postma, Eleanore Oosterink, Nancy Swartz, Jacqueline Crawford, Kathleen Meekhof; and brothers Roger Oosterink, Gerald Oosterink, Leon Oosterink, Dale Oosterink, Gary Oosterink; sisters-in-law Marlene (Barnhart) Oosterink, Estella (Skip) Oosterink; and brothers-in-law Wendell Becker, Charles Postma, Wayne Crawford, and Albert Zandstra.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children Gloria Russo, Gregory (Nancy) Oosterink, Gil (Bobette) Oosterink, Gail (Kevin) Altman, and Glenda Oosterink; grandchildren Castle Oosterink, Sterling Altman, Natalie (Mike) Frias, Liberty (Jeremiah) Wilson, Katie (Nathan) Magrath, Sarah (Stephan) Mathos, Rhyse (Jill) Altman, Julie Oosterink; and nine great-grandchildren. Survivors also include sisters, brothers, and brothers and sisters by marriage: Lois (Chet) Lazoski, Wilma Zanstra, Howard (Jean) Oosterink, Wayne (Bonnie) Oosterink, Mark (Barb) Oosterink, Barb Oosterink, Pat Oosterink, and Roger Meekhof. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and friends - including his breakfast buddies at Burger King.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, October 4, 2024 at Fair Haven Church, 2900 Baldwin St., Hudsonville, MI 49426, with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hand2Hand, a ministry dedicated to providing food and hope to students in southwest Michigan.The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.