Robert D. Nanninga, 87, of Holland, died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019.
He was born and raised in Kalamazoo, and served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.
In 1953, Mr. Nanninga married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Van Eyk. After graduating from WMU, he taught in Indiana and Holland. In 1964, the Naningas moved to Annville, KY, to work for the RCA at Annville Institute. He taught industrial arts and helped start the first volunteer fire department.
In 1975, the family moved to Harrogate, Tennessee, where Bob and Betty worked at Lincoln Memorial University. They returned to Michigan in 1980, and he taught industrial arts at Pine Rest, leaving in 1989 to make Shaker furniture.
A member of Community Reformed Church, where Mr. Nanninga served as an elder and deacon. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, music, and dancing at Evergreen Commons.
He is survived by his daughters: Valerie Engeltjes (Ira), Denise Koops (Blaine), and Lynn Edwards (Ray); grandchildren Megan, Sean and Melanie, and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty (2010); siblings: Lois Van Dalson, Henry Paul Nanninga.
Visitation is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, at
Yntema Funeral Home
, 251 South State St., in Zeeland.
Services are set for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, also at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions are to Hospice of Holland.
