Garrett John Van Giessen

VAN GIESSEN, GARRETT J.

Of Portage, MI

Garrett John Van Giessen, age 86, passed away March 27, 2019 in Portage, MI. Garrett was born September 24, 1932 in Kalamazoo, MI, the son of Eliza and Martha (Stryd) Van Giessen. He was a lifelong area resident and had served active duty in the U.S Army from 1954-56 and the Reserves until 1965. For many years he was employed as a chemist with The Upjohn Company. Garrett was a member of The Netherlands Reformed Congregation, where he served on the consistory for 38 years.

On March 10, 1955, he was united in marriage to Helen (DeVries) Van Giessen, who survives. Also surviving are their four children Sheryl Van Giessen, Gary Van Giessen, Randall (Trudy) Van Giessen, Mary (Andrew) Kieboom; a son-in-law Leendert Weeda; 13 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; two brothers Jacob Van Giessen, Bart (Anne) Van Giessen; a sister Mary VanBeck; step-brothers Albert (Kris) Sikkema, Jim (Pam) Sikkema; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; by his step-father Albert Sikkema; and by his daughter Sandra Weeda in 2018.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00pm on Saturday, March 30th at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. The funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, April 1st at The Netherlands Reformed Congregation (108 Pratt Rd) with Rev. Herman Hofman officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Garrett's memory may be directed to Providence Christian School or Netherlands Reformed Congregations. The family would like to thank Theo and Rachel Mol and family, and Southern Care Hospice for the excellent care they provided for him. Please visit Garrett's personalized guest book at www.langelands.com