Harold Leroy Koorndyk

Harold, more affectionately known as “H” was born on March 5, 1935, at home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Harold and Johanna Koorndyk; he was the eldest of their four children. His strong work ethic began at an early age, first with a paper route, then working in a neighborhood dry-cleaning business. Later, His uncle introduced him to the world of insurance. He started selling State Farm Insurance in 1966, forging lasting relationships with customers over the next 33 years through his dedication to service. After retiring in October of 1999, he continued to be close friends with a few of his State Farm colleagues and their families, enjoying weekly breakfasts with his buddies well into their 80s.

After graduating from Ottawa Hills high School in 1952, Harold enlisted in the Marine Corp Reserves at age 17, with special permission from his father. He reached the rank of sergeant and excelled as a sharpshooter. On September 17, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean. During their marriage, they enjoyed many activities together. They were both members of the Jaycees, volunteers at Frederik Meijer Gardens, and Harold was a member of Ambucs. For years they enjoyed square dancing, playing cards with friends, and traveling to their favorite getaway, St. Maarten.

Harold also enjoyed playing tennis and golf with his friends and family. He coached baseball when his sons were younger and was always up for a game of driveway hoops or blooper ball in the backyard. He was also a self-taught chef, known for his tuna melts and anything that could be cooked on the grill. He enjoyed watching football, especially the Michigan Wolverines and Detroit Lions. If he wasn’t attending a game at the Big House, he could be heard shouting “Go Blue” most every Saturday afternoon in front of the family room television.

Harold and Jean were faithful members of East Congregational UCC for over 50 years, where they taught Sunday School and Harold was deacon. “H” was a surrogate father to many of his children’s friends, always meeting them with a heartfelt “Hey, Hey!” He loved Elvis and could be seen dancing in the living room to "Blue Suede Shoes" or "I’m All Shook Up."

Harold is survived by his wife of 71 years; children Cathy, Dan (Mary), Dave (Judi), Chris, and Jackie; six grandchildren Lindsey, Kellie, Meghan, Nicole, Jackson, and Spencer; four great-grandchildren Eleanora, Madelyn, Kacie, and Cecelia; sister, Sandy; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Earl; and sister, Joanne.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with visitation prior at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Toys for Tots, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Emmanuel Hospice.

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