Jerry D. Verburg

Jerry Dean Verburg, age 84, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, died Saturday, April 11, 2026, at his home in Cedar Springs, surrounded by his loving family and dachshund, Jax. He was born October 14, 1941, in Sand Lake, MI, the son of James and Waunetta (Steinman) Verburg. He lived a life shaped by hard work, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to the land. During his time in the Army, he helped carve roads through mountains—an early glimpse of his adventurous, hands-on spirit. After his service, he traveled around the U.S. for work and with family, met the love of his life, Joanne, and married in Indiana. Eventually they settled back in West Michigan, where he built a simple, fulfilling life centered around family and left a loving, memorable impact. He spent most of his career as a skilled sheet metal fabricator in the heating and cooling industry, contributing to commercial projects across Grand Rapids, including the John Ball Zoo, local hospitals, and many Grand Rapids-area public schools—work he took pride in for its lasting impact. Outside of work, he found his greatest joy in nature and time with family—bow and rifle hunting, fishing, bird watching, and simply being outdoors. He knew how to live off the land, hunting and processing his own deer, catching and cleaning his own fish, raising chickens and turkeys from hatchlings to a steady, homegrown source of food for the family. He also grew his own produce and lived by the Farmer’s Almanac. Known for his playful, lighthearted sense of humor, he brought an easy, quiet silliness to everyday moments. He loved the simple life, had a well-known sweet tooth, and was a devoted fan of University of Michigan sports, the Detroit Lions, and NASCAR. A natural builder and incredibly handy, he was always ready to help family and friends with a new project—building everything from porches to pole barns, greenhouses, and storm cellars. Jerry was deeply kind, with a soft spot for animals—something you could see in the goat he once planned to raise but instead kept as a beloved pet, Oreo. More than anything, he loved his family and showed it through what he built, what he fixed, and the time he gave—leaving behind a legacy of care, strength, and quiet generosity.

Surviving are his children, Rea Verburg, Randy (Tara) Verburg, Jerry (Lori) Verburg, and James Verburg; seven grandchildren, Cassie, Randy Jr., Justin, Alysha, Brandon, Jessie, and Jerrod; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Carol (Jim) Piatt, Sue Woodwyk, and Sandy (Mike) Austin; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne Verburg, and son, Scott Verburg.

The family will greet friends Friday, April 24, 2026, from 2:00 pm until the time of service at 3:00 pm at the K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Pastor Mike Austin of Liberty Baptist Church in Greenville officiating. Interment will take place at Solon Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation, 2227 Eastern Ave, Erie, PA 16510, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to grant hunting and fishing dreams for children age 21 and under who are battling life-threatening illnesses or disabilities.