Gerald S. Lubbers, our loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather, age 97 and 10 months, of Hamilton, MI passed away on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at Holland Hospital peacefully in his sleep, which family and friends had all prayed for.
Gerald was born July 15, 1923, to Edward and Mary Lubbers. He was a member of East Saugatuck Church and proudly served in the US Army during WWII fighting in Okinawa Japan. When he returned from service, he worked briefly at General Motors. He then started the Lubbers Farm in East Saugatuck, where he was a farmer for the rest of his life. Gerald and Geneva spent 40 years wintering in Fort Meyers, Florida at the Raintree Resort. While there, he would repair bicycles and donate them to needy families in Fort Meyers. He repaired bikes for several years for Love Inc. in Hamilton, MI, and was a master gardener of flowers, vegetables, and fruits, not only in Florida but at Maple Woods Resthaven care where he grew tomato plants for the residents and received wonderful care. The family is very grateful for the care he received.
Gerald was known as a very positive person. If you asked him how he was doing, his response was always, “I’m doing 100%!” Gerald spent the past two years at Maple Woods Resthaven care.
Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva Lubbers, in 2017; his grandson, Nick Lightfoot; his parents; Edward and Mary Lubbers, his siblings; Dorothy Wolters, Gradus Lubbers Jr., and all the Haverdink family brothers and sisters-in-law.
He is survived by his children; Paul (Kathryn) Lubbers, Judy (Randy) Lightfoot, Dale (Ruth) Lubbers, Beth (Jack) Petroelje, Jane (Jody) Williams; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; siblings; Shirley Lubbers, Ellen (Rev. Gary) Hofland, sister-in-law; Joanne Lubbers, and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at East Saugatuck Church with Pastor Keith Mannes officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service from 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. also at the church. Per the request of the family, masks will be required unless fully vaccinated. Burial will be in East Holland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to Love Inc., Hamilton, MI attn: bike department. Hope you are all at 100% today. www.langelandsterenberg.com.
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