Gertrude Katherine (Kamps) VanderKolk

Gertrude Katherine (Kamps) VanderKolk beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many, passed away at her home in Coopersville, MI. on February 28, 2024. Gertrude was born in Wayland, MI on February 17, 1932 to the late Louis and Gertrude (VanTil) Kamps. She grew up on a farm outside of Coopersville and attended the Centennial School on the corner of 56th and Taft through the 8th grade.

Gertrude is survived by her loving husband of 72 yrs, Edward VanderKolk; children Kathy VanderKolk, Mary (Ted) Handrich, Kay (Donald) Lillie; Charles (Bonnie) VanderKolk; Amy (Eric) Steenstra; son-in-law, Dale (Jane) Smoes; 20 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; brother, Clarence (Rena) Kamps; sisters-in-law, Shirley Kamps and Flora (Arlyn) Schout; many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Gertrude was also preceded in death by her daughter Barb Smoes; brothers Abe (Marge) Kamps, Ed (Sylvia) Kamps, Bill (Dorothy) Kamps, Gradus Kamps and Gene Kamps.

Gertrude enjoyed spending quality time with her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren and was known for her kind and caring nature. She touched the lives of many with her loving and selfless personality. She always went out of her way to help others and preferred to work behind the scenes rather than seek the spotlight. Gertrude was a devoted member of the Coopersville Reformed Church since 1951. She found joy in attending Worship Services and participating in Hymn Sings, as well as contributing behind the scenes at the church.

In her free time, Gertrude indulged in various hobbies and interests that brought her immense pleasure. She had a green thumb for gardening and yard work, enjoyed sewing, canning, boating on Lake Michigan and plane rides with her husband Ed piloting the plane. They traveled extensively throughout the US. and Canada.  They took many cruises and traveled to various destinations around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Russia and more. For 25 years, she enjoyed wintering in Bradenton, FL. with her husband Ed after they retired.

Gertrude's life will be celebrated at the upcoming services. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 3, 2024 from 3:00 - 6:00 PM at the Throop Funeral Home in Coopersville. The Funeral Service will take place Monday, March 4, 2024 11:00 AM at the Coopersville Reformed Church on 423 W Randall St. Coopersville, MI 49404, with Rev John Hines officiating. Burial will take place in the Spring Lake Twp. Cemetery, Spring Lake, MI.

Memorial donations may be made to Coopersville Cares, 180 N. 68th Ave, Coopersville, MI 49404 or Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC), 415 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Go to www.throopfh.com to sign Gertrude's online guestbook and leave condolences for the family.

Throop Funeral Home, Coopersville, ph. 616-837-8161, www.throopfh.com