Bernard J. Sharpe

SHARPE, Bernard J. ?Bernie? Portage
Formerly of Grand Rapids and Zeeland Went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 27, 2007 at Bickford Cottage. Bernie was born June 13, 1914 in Zeeland, MI, the son of Lambert and Dena Vugteveen Sharpe and grew up in Zeeland. He graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1933 and attended Calvin College. Bernie then went into the furniture business and was employed at several different furniture stores including Quality Furniture in Zeeland, Montgomery Wards, and Devries and Dornbos Furniture Store in Holland. Bernie and his wife Marian then moved to Kalamazoo where he was employed at Van?s Furniture and later at Vermeulen Furniture Store and in 1960 opened Sharpe?s Colonial House that he owned and operated until his retirement in 1979. After retirement, he became involved with Home Missions for the Christian Reformed Church. Bernie?s passion in life was his wife and children. His other joy in life was glorifying God through ministry in music. He was asked quite frequently to be a soloist at weddings and funerals. He directed several church choirs over the years and was director for many years of Excelsior Men?s Glee Club, now known as the Singing Crusaders. Bernie was preceded in death by a sister LaBertha Klinge and by a brother John Sharpe. On July 19, 1939, he was married to the former Marian K. Ohlman, who survives. Also surviving are 3 daughters, Judith K. Keeler of Atlanta, GA, Ruth Ann Michael Stoddard of Portage and Lola F. Rev. Mark VanGilst of Landenberg, PA; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law Marjorie Sharpe of Holland; several nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 11:00 o?clock Friday at the Grace Christian Reformed Church, 1724 Whites Rd. with Bernie?s son-in-law, the Rev. Mark VanGilst and the Rev. Dr. Harry Arnold officiating. Private interment in Zeeland Cemetery. Friends may meet the family Thursday evening from 6-8 pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St. Memorial contributions in Bernie?s memory may be made to Hospice of Southwest Michigan or the charity of your choice.