Bernard Byma

Bernard was born in the Netherlands on Jan. 28, 1925, to Ralph and Augusta Vander Schaaf Byma. Following his family's immigration to the U.S. in 1930, Bernard grew up on a dairy farm in Bellflower, CA. He served in the US Army in Korea in 1946. Bernard graduated from Calvin College and Calvin Seminary, and was ordained as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church in 1953. He went on to serve churches in Bellwood, IL; Lynden, WA; Denver, CO and Hudsonville, MI. Following his retirement, Bernard was active in the activities and ministry of the South Grandville CRC.

He is survived by Ann nee Werkema, his loving and faithful wife of 56 years; children, George and Donna Byma of Clarkston, MI, Gary and Beth Byma of Lake Odessa, MI, Bill and Judi Byma of Lansing, IL, John and Evonne Byma of Cincinnati, OH, and Jerene and Reg Schierbeek of Allendale, MI; 17 grandchildren; brother, Clarence and Leona Byma; brother-in-law, Clarence and Anne Kooistra; sister-in-law, Winnie Byma; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Gerrie and Jim Smith.

Bernard was preceded in death by brothers, Dr. Garrett and Dora Mae Byma, and Jacob Byma; sister, Effie Kooistra; and in-laws, Rev. Clarence and Thelma Werkema.

A time for relatives and friends to visit with Bernard's family will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Cook Funeral Home in Grandville, 4235 Prairie St. SW west building. Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at the South Grandville Christian Reformed Church, 4130 Wilson Ave. SW. Dr. Daniel Mouw will be officiating. Interment will be at Grandville Cemetery.

The family welcomes memories and messages in their guestbook online at www.cookfuneralservices.com.

In honor of Bernard, contributions may be made to Calvin Theological Seminary.

Visitation June 24, 2008 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Cook Funeral & Cremation Services - Grandville Chapel 4235 Prairie St. SW Grandville, MI (616) 534-7619

Funeral Service June 25, 2008 11:00 AM South Grandville Christian Reformed Church 4130 Wilson Avenue SW Grandville, MI (616) 532-5413

Interment Wednesday June 25 2008 Grandville Cemetery - Grandville 3570 Prairie Street SW Grandville, MI (616) 530-4985

Funeral Home Service Cook Funeral & Cremation Services - Grandville Chapel 4235 Prairie St. SW Grandville, MI (616) 534-7619