Jacob Bierenga

BIERENGA, Jacob Kalamazoo, MI Went home to be with his Lord on August 11, 2012, with his family by his side. Jake was born January 27, 1921 in Kalamazoo, to Bernie and Lena van Germeet Bierenga. He was a resident of the area for his entire life. He honorably served his country during WWII 8/1942-10/1945, in CIB China, India, and Burma. He retired from The Upjohn Company in 1983, after 35 years of service. He volunteered at the Red Cross Blood Bank, Kalamazoo Deacon's Conference, and Borgess Hospital. He presently is a member of North Park Reformed Church. Jake enjoyed fishing especially ice fishing, walking, visiting friends, and spending summers at Mill Lake, in Gobles. His greatest joy was his family. Jake was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be greatly missed. On September 14, 1945, he was united in marriage to Leona Haan, who preceded him in death in 2002. He was also preceded in death by two infant sons, William James and" Baby Boy" Bierenga; by brother and his wife, Martin Celia Bierenga; sister, Clara Bierenga; sister and her husband, Grace Jake Dykstra; brothers-in-law, Andrew Haan, Cecil Stoppelberg and sister- in-law and her husband, Joan Orval Fike.. Surviving are his three children, Leonard Donna Bierenga, Joyce Bierenga, and Brenda Chris Gernaat; grandchildren, Katie Bradford, Christi Bierenga, Brian Rhiannon Bierenga, Bobbi Gernaat and fiancé David Hutson and Tyler Gernaat and fiancée Pamela Roede; as well as two great-grandchildren, Brittany and Eric Burton. He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Clarence Wilma Bierenga; sister-in-law, Annajean Stoppelberg; brother -in-law John Haan and brother-in-law and his wife, Menno Judy Haan. Visitation will be held from 4 - 7 pm on Sunday August 19 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th St. Services will be held at 1 pm on Monday, August 20, at North Park Reformed Church, 1316 Barney Road, with Pastor Paul Fazio officiating. Private interment will be in Grand Prairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jake's memory can be made to the North Park Reformed Church or the Kalamazoo Deacon's Conference.