Bernard TeBos

As friends and family gather to reminisce on the life and legacy of Bernard TeBos, it is easy for all to agree that he made the most of every single moment he was given. He exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord he loved so much, and his generous servant’s heart allowed him to impact the lives of countless others for the better. Deeply loved, Bernie will be greatly missed.

The early 1940s were truly some of the most tumultuous years in global history. The Great Depression still cast a heavy shadow over those living in the United States, and it seemed that the country was holding its breath as WWII raged overseas. It was during this trying time that Bernard Lee made his entrance into the world. Born in Vogel Center, Michigan, on April 14, 1940, Bernie was welcomed by his overjoyed parents and older brother, Melvin. The TeBos family would later grow to include the youngest, Sharon, as well.

Growing up, Bernie was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home, which didn’t have indoor plumbing until he was 10 years old. Bernie’s father was a skilled mechanic, electrician, and repairman in their community while his mother was a teacher in the local one-room schoolhouse, Vogel Christian School. As a boy, Bernie was known to get into his fair share of mischief, especially with his cousin, and he loved playing ball with other kids. The TeBos family attended Vogel Center Christian Reformed Church, where Bernie built the strong foundation of the faith that would serve him well throughout his entire life. He often participated in all kinds of activities there, and the church was the center of his community. Bernie also helped out around his uncle’s farm. He grew up swimming in the Clam River, hunting, and raising pigs each year to help pay for his school tuition.

Throughout his childhood, Bernie attended local schools, beginning with Vogel Christian School where he was taught by his mother. He graduated from Northern Michigan Christian School in McBain, Michigan, in 1958. Eager to see what the future had in store, Bernie headed to Grand Rapids to attend Calvin College for one year. He then worked a few jobs and, after finding steady work at General Welding Inc, turned his focus to learning everything he could about engineering, enrolling in Grand Rapids Junior College as well.

Exciting changes were on the horizon for Bernie as he met the remarkable woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Dorothy DeYoung, and the two first met at Rainbow Grill, one of Bernie’s favorite restaurants in Grandville. They dated for the next year and a half, falling deeper and deeper in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Bernie and Dot were married at Lee Street Christian Reformed Church. The newlyweds spent the $100 they had collected in dimes to pay for their honeymoon to Niagara Falls, along with the $5 Bernie received for stopping to help change a flat tire on their way.

There was nothing that was more important to Bernie in life than his family. Together, he and Dot were overjoyed to bring their four children, Mike, Julie, Jayne, and Lori, into their hearts and home. Bernie took his role as a father very seriously, and he strove to provide for his kids and raise them well. He was a fair disciplinarian and a strong role model. For many years, the family enjoyed summers at Paradise Cove in Sand Lake, Michigan, the backdrop for great friendships and countless memories for their kids and later their grandchildren. They loved eating at the Rainbow Grill and traveling to various amusement parks. Spring breaks were often spent in Florida. Bernie was thrilled to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. He adored his grandchildren and doted on them whenever he could. Bernie and Dot served as a shining example of what a loving, God-centered marriage should look like for all those who looked up to them.

As a young man, Bernie first began his career at GWI as a janitor. Over the next 30 years of his career there, he would acquire skills and knowledge that would help him move into new roles. In 1991, Bernie was able to start Apex Controls in the basement of their home along with his son and a couple of friends. The business would continue to grow and soon moved to a facility in Hudsonville, bringing great success to the TeBos family. Bernie loved being able to work alongside several of his children for a time. His drive and wealth of self-taught knowledge earned him plenty of respect and admiration, and his work brought him genuine pride and joy. Though Bernie officially retired in 2006, he continued working part time for a while longer.

Bernie’s faith was the pillar of his life, and he always looked for opportunities to speak about it. When he and Dot moved to Hudsonville, they became charter members of Georgetown Christian Reformed Church. This would be the church home where Bernie would raise his family. He also dedicated much of his time to serving as an elder and deacon, and he served on various boards including school board, the AWS Board, and the community college board as well. Bernie lived his life striving to serve his community well.

One of Bernie’s greatest passions in life was traveling. Following his retirement in 2006, he and Dot began traveling the world. They visited Russia, Spain, Alaska, Mexico, and various locations in South America and Europe. Bernie and Dot spent their winters in Arizona. He always stayed busy tinkering with things around their house, and he was known to be meticulously tidy and organized.

When reflecting on the life of Bernard TeBos, it is easy to see both his unwavering perseverance and his unconditional love for his family. He was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and as a family man, he always held his loved ones close through all the ups and downs of life. Though he will be dearly missed, Bernie leaves behind a priceless legacy of selflessness and faith that his family and friends will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

TeBos - Mr. Bernard L. TeBos, aged 85 of Georgetown Township passed away April 25. 2025. Surviving are his wife of 63 years Dorothy “Dot”, his children: Mike and Sue TeBos, Julie and Mike Vollink, Jayne and Shaun Macomber, Lori and Randy Riksen; his grandchildren: Matthew TeBos, Nickolai TeBos, Valeria TeBos, Emily and David Bogertman, Jacob and Megan Vollink, Lauren and Mike Visser, Elise and Cory Meeuwsen, Allison and Collin Bruursema, Julianna Vollink, Molly Vollink, Sharayah Clevenger, Noah Macomber, Caleb and Monica Macomber, Clarissa Macomber, Alexys Riksen, Kadin Riksen, Natalie Riksen, Gavin Riksen, Ryan Riksen, Kaylie Riksen, Ellie Riksen, Ryder Riksen; 10 great-grandchildren Adelaide, Frances, Margriet and Ramona Bogertman, Graham and Lennon Vollink, Archer and Thomas Visser, Owen and Charlie Clevenger; his sister Sharon (Plaisier) and Cecil Harkema; sister-in-law Leona DeYoung and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law Melvin and Ruth TeBos; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Robert DeYoung, Mary and Fred Van Dyken and Ken Plaisier.

Bernie’s funeral service will be held on Monday, April 28 at 11 AM at Georgetown Christian Reformed Church where friends are invited to visit with his family on Sunday from 3-6 PM and on Monday beginning at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers his family suggests a memorial donation to Apex Controls - Bernie TeBos Scholarship Fund. To read more about Bernie, to share a memory or favorite photo, or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.