ZEELAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – Former Ottawa County Commissioner Ed Berghorst has passed away at the age of 86.
The Zeeland High grad served as a Zeeland Township Trustee for 14 years, and also served as an Ottawa County Commissioner for 10 years. According to his obituary, Ed was born in Zeeland on September 25, 1930, to John and Hattie (Lemmen) Berghorst. Ed served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and married the love of his life, Hester Dykema, on March 25, 1953, while serving in the Air Force.
According to his obituary. Ed began working at Zeeland Chemical until his retirement. He and his wife were longtime members of Waypoint Community Church (formerly Zeeland Free Methodist Church). Ed had a great love for his Lord and served for many years as a Sunday school superintendent and teacher, as well as serving as a trustee on the church board.
Ed also served as chairman of the Community Mental Health Board, and served on the board of Parkview Home. Ed and Hester volunteered for 10 years at Providence Healthcare coffee shop.
Ed was preceded in death by his brother Bernard Berghorst, sister Jeanette Johnson, in-laws: Edith Berghorst, Peggy Berghorst, Carlton Brouwer, and Dr. Merle Dykema. Ed is survived by his wife of 64 years, Hester, their children.
A funeral service to honor the faith and life of Ed Berghorst will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 21, 2017, at Waypoint Community Church, 3041 96th Ave in Zeeland. Visitation will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, in Zeeland.
Interment will be in Zeeland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Waypoint Community Church.
