Lewis Geurkink

Lewis John Geurkink, age 89, lifelong Baldwin resident died Tuesday August 4, 2015 at the Baldwin Area Medical Center. Lewis was born on September 18, 1925 north of Baldwin; the son of John and Berendina (TeGrotenhuis) Geurkink. He attended Hammond Christian School prior to graduating from the Baldwin High School in the class of ’42. On October 8, 1946, he was united in marriage to his best friend June Anderson at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baldwin. This union was blessed with one son, Duane. Being raised on a farm, Lewy knew the value of hard work. He worked the land and milked cows for several years before becoming a cattle dealer. As the saying goes; “Behind every good man is a woman” was true for Lewy, as June loved helping him on his ventures. Together they traveled the countryside while wheeling and dealing on cattle. This was the start of Geurkink Cattle Company.
Outside of work, their excursions took Lewis and June to the entire continental United States. They would winter down south making many friends in their forty plus years of travel. Lewy also loved the simple times; like a game of cards with family or friends, fishing and the challenge of a good word find puzzle. He thoroughly enjoyed time spent in his woodworking shop. Lewy was also a proud member of the ‘Dutchman Dice Club’ as they met twice a day at Shelly’s.
Lewis will remain in the hearts of his wife of 68 years, June; son Duane (Kay) Geurkink of Baldwin; grandchildren Tobie (Matt) Anderson of Baldwin, Amber (Troy) Thompson of Baldwin, Max (Krystal) Geurkink of Spring Valley; great grandchildren Alexandria & Trevor Anderson, Tori & Triston Thompson, and Laney Geurkink; sisters Helen Borr of Michigan, and Bernice (Bob) Strain of Virginia. He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings Raymond, Ann (Louis) Brummels, Bill (Celia) Geurkink, Jeanette (Marvin) Obbink, and Gerald (Joyce) Geurkink.
Funeral service for Lewis Geurkink will be 11AM Saturday, August 8th at the Baldwin Christian Reformed Church. Organist Rachel VanSomeren will accompany congregation singing with special music by John Terkelsen, and Dennis & Mary Thorsen. Burial will be in the Baldwin Cemetery with active casketbearers being Max Geurkink, Matt and Trevor Anderson, Troy and Triston Thompson and Terry Newton. Honorary casketbearers being Tori Thompson, Alexandria Anderson and Laney Geurkink. Visitation will be on Friday from 4pm to 8pm at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin as well as one hour prior to the service at Christian Reformed Saturday morning. Memorials preferred.