William "Bill" RietKerk

William (Bill) RietKerk passed on to his heavenly home on July 4, 2024, at the age of 86. Bill was born August 18, 1937, in Kalamazoo, MI, the son of Leonard and Laura (Collins) RietKerk.

Bill graduated from Mattawan High School in 1956, where he met the love of his life, the late Dolly May Grile. Dolly and Bill were married in Kalamazoo on July 21, 1956. Bill was in the U.S. Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1963. He worked for KVP Brown Company before being employed by General Motors Corporation, where he retired after 30 years of service in 1996. He was a devoted member of The Faith Chapel, where he was integral in forming a men’s group that made toy wooden cars. Hundreds and thousands of those cars were distributed to missionaries worldwide, who handed them out to children to spread God’s love and the message of Jesus’ gift. He enjoyed bird watching, attending auctions, and tinkering in his shop. He did most things by himself. His favorite quote was, “The best helping hand I have is at the end of my arm.”

Bill is survived by his children: Randy (Laurie) RietKerk of Scotts, MI; Mark (Sandra) RietKerk of Kalamazoo, MI; Christine (Michael) Smith of Phoenix, AZ; Lisa (Joseph) Gall of Kalamazoo, MI; nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Dolly, a granddaughter, Erin Joy, stepfather Arthur Bourner, his parents, and all his siblings. Bill was cremated and will be interred with his wife at the Liberty Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to join us for a Celebration of Life on August 18, 2024, at 7447 W H Ave at 2:00 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, where he and Dolly donated time and money regularly during their lives.