Harvey Brower passed away peacefully on October 8, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness. Known for his gentle strength and unwavering faith in God, Harvey touched the lives of all who knew him.
Born on July 26, 1936, to Raymond and Ada Brower, Harvey was the eldest of four siblings. He attended Zeeland High School, where he was an active member of the cross-country and track teams. After graduating, he served in the Army Secret Service and would often jokingly tell his kids that if he told them what he did in the Army he would have to “shoot them.” Toward the end of his life, he mentioned that his discharge papers would show the family what role he played in the Army.
Harvey met the love of his life, Jan Kiekintveld, and they married on May 10, 1957, shortly after he was enlisted in the Army Secret Service stationed in Killeen, Texas. After discharge from the Army Harvey and Jan moved back to Holland, Michigan where they raised their children Debi, Pam, Keith, and Kevin. Harvey joined General Electric as a tool and die maker and after retiring from GE, he worked at Resthaven Retirement Village, assisting with maintenance and enjoying conversations with the residents. Jan and Havey were happily married for 67 years.
In their later years, Harvey and Jan became snowbirds, spending time in Bradenton, Florida. There, Harvey discovered a passion for golf and pool and made many new friends.
Harvey was dedicated to his family, friends, and church. He volunteered his time coaching kids, going on mission trips, and helping with maintenance at various camps. Harvey loved fishing, especially with his grandsons, and attended as many of his children’s and grandchildren’s events as possible. He was also a passionate gardener, sharing his love of gardening with his family. His favorite snack was popcorn, the real deal popcorn on the stove. You could find Harvey and his youngest sister and her husband playing the game “Find the Fishing Bobber”.
Harvey was an active member of Bethel Reformed Church and then Maplewood Reformed Church, where he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, and member of the Consistory. He always expressed his faith through his kindness and generosity.
He was preceded in death by his parents (Raymond and Ada Brower), and his sister Verna Fairbanks (Brower). He is survived by his wife Jan Brower, his children Debi Howe (Brower), Pam Church (Brower) Keith and Dawn (Mooi) Brower, Kevin and Carla (James) Brower. His grandchildren Rachael (James) and Jason VanDenBrink, Nicole James, Matt and Alyson (Howe) Rembowicz, Scott and Katie (Hansen) Brower, Aaron Howe, Spencer Brower, Jenni Church and Seth Brower. His great-grandchildren: Essie, Ruby and Lydia Rembowicz.
Harvey will be remembered for his faith, kindness, humor, and dedication to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed, but his memory will live on.
Funeral services and military honors will be held at 1:30 pm Friday (October 18) at Maplewood Reformed Church, 133 East 34th Street. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 6-8 pm Thursday (October 17) at the Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Geneva or the Alzheimer’s Association.
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