Henry J. Kortman

Henry J. (Hank) Kortman, age 74 departed this world for the glories of heaven and the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 11, 2014. Hank immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1954 with his parents and ten siblings to settle in Holland, MI.

He served in the Army from 1958 to 1963 with the rank of Sergeant serving in Alaska for two years and four years of reserves with an honorable discharge. Hank served in management in the retail grocery business for the early years of his career at Kroger, Charley’s Market and The Graafschopper. He was also employed by Carpet Bonanza for twenty-three years as the measurer and in customer service.

He served his Lord and Savior as an Elder at Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church and Faith URC where he taught Sunday school and Catechism for many years. He was Associate Chaplain at the Ottawa County Jail during his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Johanna Kortman; his parents-in-law, Jan and Tryntje De Graaf; his daughters, Erika and Kathy Kortman and brothers Herman and Johann Kortman and sister Alaida Weerstra.

He is survived by the love of his life and helpmate Fran (De Graaf) Kortman; his daughters Kerrie (Bill) Bassow and Chelsea (Mike) Schipper and son Shannon K. Kortman; grandchildren KayLeigh Kortman, Benjamin Shinsky, Libby Bassow, Henry M. Schipper, Sawyer F. Schipper and Evie Lynn J. Schipper who mourn his loss and will cherish his memory; and by a special niece, Robin South.

Hank is also survived by his siblings Gesine Niers of Germany, John and Arlene Kortman of Holland, Dieter and Bev Kortman of Kentwood, Jenni and Bob South of Zeeland, Dena Nyboer of Holland, Anna and Ray Van Order of Zeeland, Gerrit and JoAnn Kortman of Holland, Harold and Lila Kortman of Holland, Nick and Alice Ellerbroek, John and Phyllis De Graaf and Rich and Helen Overway of Holland, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A private burial will be held at Lakewood Cemetery with full military honors.

A Memorial visitation will held beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 15th followed by a Memorial service at 2 p.m. which will all be held at Faith United Reformed Church, 8270 120th Ave, West Olive, MI.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Kortman family care of Fran Kortman.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Kortman family.