Henry Mince Toering

Henry Mince Toering, age 92, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. Henry was preceded in death by his wife of 64 1/2 years, Joyce Dirklyn Toering, and parents Mince and Nellie Toering. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Doug (Deb) Toering, Michelle “Shelly” (Steve) Ratkov, Gordon (Sue) Toering, and Marc (Lori) Toering; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren (plus two on the way); brothers and sisters; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Hank lived a life of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and possessed a love of people and learning. Born in Hawarden, Iowa as the oldest of 13 children, he attended a one-room schoolhouse, then later attended Hospers Christian School, drove a bus to help pay for tuition at Western Christian High School, graduated from Calvin College (now Calvin University), and later earned a master’s degree from Michigan State University. Hank served in the U.S. Army in Germany toward the end of the Korean War. He passed on his love of learning to 5th, 6th, and 7th graders in Grandville for 30+ years. He deeply loved and faithfully served his wife and his family. He especially adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They continually made his face light up. He was an avid reader and knew something about virtually everything. He blessed everyone he met and was very thankful to all. He said it was too much effort to complain, so he didn’t. Having grown up on a farm, he didn’t shy away from hard work. He prayed and read his Bible daily and lived his life on the path the Lord had for him. His love for his wife was an example for every husband. He and Joyce made sure their children were raised in the nurture and instruction of the Lord.

Visitation with friends and family will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, February 2 at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. A celebration of Henry’s life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 3 at Faith Presbyterian Church, 3110 Barrett Ave. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. The funeral service will be livestreamed on FPC Grandville’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5Z6E9D5Ig4

In honor of Henry and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Gideons International or Joni and Friends. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guest book online.