Kenneth Alan Noorman

Kenneth A. Noorman, age 87 of Grandville, Michigan died at home Thursday, January 1, 2026. Ken was born at home in Grand Rapids in 1938 to Barney and Esther (Roetman) Noorman. He graduated from Godwin Heights High School in 1956. Ken continued his education at Michigan State University where he was president of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and graduated with a B.S. degree in urban planning and development. While a student at MSU, Ken met the love of his life, Bonnie Jamieson, and they were married in 1962.

Beginning his career as a city planner, working at times in both Kent and Muskegon counties, Ken had a fruitful and rewarding career in land development. In partnership with his brother Jim, in the late 1960s and early 1970s they formed Noorman Excavating and Noorman Associates, expanding the lines of business begun by their father, Barney, with just a bulldozer and a dump truck in the years following World War II.

In addition to his work, it was important for Ken to be involved in leadership in his community. He was an active member of the City of Grandville Planning Commission and the Downtown Development Authority for many years. Ken was proud to send all three of his children to Hope College, and in 1990 he was honored with a Distinguished Service Award from the Board of Trustees for his contributions to church, college, and community.

It was Ken’s honor to serve faithfully as a Sunday school and catechism teacher and as an officer in his churches throughout the years, first as a deacon, then an elder at Bethany Reformed and later as an elder at First Reformed Grandville where he served multiple terms as VP of consistory. He also volunteered his time and experience to the Church Planning and Development committee of the former South Grand Rapids Classis of the Reformed Church in America (now Great Lakes City Classis). In later years, Ken was a beloved member at Central Reformed Church and treasured his time there assisting with property projects and plantings, and worshipping with his family.

Ken loved to be on the water. In the 1980s he served as president and Yacht Club Commodore of Anchorage Marina on Lake Macatawa in Holland. The family treasures memories of their boating days on the “My Bonnie,” cruising from Holland as far as the Straits of Mackinac, Drummond Island, and into the North Channel, with many special years spent on Lake Charlevoix later in his life. The family also fondly remembers Ken’s joy and skill in setting up “Grandpa Camp” on the beach when family visited during winters spent on Marco Island in Florida. Ken never lost his love for working outdoors. In every one of his residences, he beautified his surroundings with special shrubs, flowers and trees, always maintained with his signature care.

Knowing with certainty that he is not his own, but belonged, body and soul, both in life and in death to his Savior Jesus Christ, Ken was faithful to the end of his life. He was a lifelong reader of scripture and a steadfast example of quiet faith, for which his family will always be grateful.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Bonnie (Jamieson) Noorman; children Jodi (Duncan) MacLean, Jeffrey J. Noorman, Jennifer (Scott) Webb; grandchildren Duncan (Karissa) MacLean IV, Catherine E. MacLean, Grace (Alex) Scott, Luke J. Noorman, Jack H. Webb, Ella F. Webb; great-granddaughter, Adeline MacLean; sister, Bonnie (Noorman) Mills; brother, James L. Noorman; sister-in-law, Cindy (Jamieson) Petersen; and many nieces and nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, William A. Mills; nephew, Brian Mills; and brothers-in-law William Jamieson and Ronald Petersen.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Central Reformed Church, 10 College Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. The family will receive visitors from 10-10:45 a.m., with a light lunch reception following the worship service. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Central Reformed Church Memorial Fund, and will be used for property and grounds to honor Ken’s legacy and love for the outdoors, especially the grounds at his beloved church home. May he rest in eternal peace. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guestbook.