Ed Wiers

As family and friends can attest, Edward Wiers truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He worked tirelessly to serve others, and he prioritized the needs and desires of his loved ones over his own. Ed never took a single moment for granted, and he counted everything that came his way as joy. Time spent with family and friends was what he treasured most on this side of heaven. Dearly loved, Ed will be forever missed.

Life during the 1930s was anything but easy as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Although times were difficult, cities, communities, and families came together to do whatever they could to weather the storm. Despite the trials around them, Edward and Jennie (Vander Zouwen) Wiers were able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their lives as they announced the birth of the baby boy they named Edward, on November 20, 1931, in Grandville, Michigan.

Ed was not a typical young man of his generation. He had a strong sense of hard work and responsibility from early on. Like his father, Edward, he was a jack of all trades. He was a young boy when he began working in the muck farms. As he grew older he worked in a peanut factory and then a Pepsi Cola Factory. He was raised in the family home in Grandville alongside his siblings, Cornelius and Harriet. They were close throughout their childhood and they lost a piece of their heart when Cornelius passed away. Ed and Harriett had a very special bond. Harriet remembers Ed not only as her loving brother but, as her very best friend. They would call each other on a regular basis and talk about family and things that were important to them. Ed’s mother dedicated herself to homemaking and raising her children. Ed attended Godfrey Elementary School, then went on to Lee High School. He also attended Highland Hills Baptist Church with his family. After graduating high school in 1950, Ed was ready to move on to bigger and better things.

Eager to serve others and his country, Ed joined the Navy at the age of 19. He enlisted on January 23, 1951, and went on to serve on the USS Healy and in Korea. Throughout his time with the Navy, Ed earned several medals for his bravery and sacrifice, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Medal E, the Korean Service Medal S, and the United Nations Service Medal. During his time in service Ed came to know Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior. This was the most important decision in his lifetime. He celebrated 70 years of knowing Jesus on February 17, 2021.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Ed as he met the woman who would soon become his wife. Her name was Dorothy, and the two originally connected through church. Over time, their relationship blossomed and the two were married April 19, 1954 at The Ranch House Restaurant, which at the time was located in Comstock Park Michigan. After a honeymoon to the Mammoth Caves in Kentucky, they lived in Norfolk, Virginia, for a time. When Ed was discharged, he and Dorothy returned to Michigan. Over the years, their family grew to include their three beloved children David, Dale, and Doug. Though tragedy struck the family when Dorothy passed away, Ed was forever grateful for the time he had with her and the children they shared.

In his later years, Ed found the woman he wanted to share the rest of his life with. He and Carol met through church. They fell in love very quickly. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Ed and Carol were married on November 7, 2002 and honeymooned at Disney World. While Ed already had a love for the balmy climate of Florida, and had vacationed there for many years. Once he introduced Carol to the beautiful Florida weather they became snowbirds and spent 6 months out of the year in Florida and 6 months back home in Marne, Michigan enjoying Michigan’s beautiful summers.

Throughout his life Ed was one to work hard. Following his time in the Navy he worked tirelessly to build his own business. He had a barbershop on Remembrance Road in Grand Rapids, then in 1974 he began working in maintenance at Grand Valley State University. He loved spending time with his family, whether it be taking an annual vacation to a cottage, family trips to Disney World, or day trips to local beaches. Ed enjoyed all gospel music and quartets, with the Gaithers being a particular favorite. He was also a lifelong fan of University of Michigan sports. Ed and Carol were actively involved in the senior groups at the church they attended. He loved to cook chili and he was always ready for ice cream. Ed was a faithful reader of his Bible and one of his favorite passages was Psalm 23.

When reflecting on the life of Ed Wiers, it is easy to see his unwavering strength and unconditional love for his family. He was thrilled to become a grandfather and great-grandfather. Ed was a shining example of hard work, but he always took the time to appreciate the little blessings in life. He was known to be a kind, humble and gentle leader by so many. Though Ed will be dearly missed, he leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

WIERS, Ed.

Venice, FL

Age 89, surrounded by his family, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, March 31, 2021. Ed was born November 20, 1931 in Grandville to the late Edward and Jennie (Vander Zouwen) Wiers. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy; brother, Cornelius Wiers; and brother-in-law, Paul Longberg. Ed was a veteran of the US Navy and retired from Grand Valley State University. He is survived by his wife, Carol; children, David (Kelley) Wiers of Cedar Springs, Dale Wiers of Claire, Doug (Connie) Wiers of Allendale; step-children, Willis Hasty of Allendale, Lora Gregaitis of Grand Rapids, Susan (Jay) Johnston of Marne; grandchildren, Andy (Lindsey) Wiers, David Wiers, Traci DeVowe, Tony (Samantha) Wiers, Nikki (Jake) Wolffis, Jason Wiers, Carol Wiers; step-grandchildren, Amanda (Logan) Skinner, Leah Gregaitis, Sarah Johnston, Jake Johnston, Josh (Arianna) Johnston, Emily Johnston; 10 great grandchildren; 6 step-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Harriet Longberg; sister-in-law, Clarice Wiers; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held Thursday April 8, 2021 at 11 AM at Standale Baptist Church, 3714 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with family at the church, Wednesday from 4-7 PM and beginning at 10 AM Thursday. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Standale Baptist Church Missions Fund. To read more of Ed's life story, leave a memory or condolence please visit www.heritagelifestory.com