Arnold Timmerman

Arnold Glenn Timmerman, age 66, peacefully passed in his wife's loving arms on December 10, 2024 at Faith Hospice Trillium Woods in Byron Center, Michigan. Son of Lucas and Klasina (Kuiper) Timmerman, Arn grew up in Wyoming near Lamar Park, where he spent a lot of time following the lead of his two older brothers and enjoying the company of his younger sister. The family established firm roots of faith through their regular attendance at church. Though Arn grew up with many rules, his brothers invited him along, and he accepted their invitation to their fair share of mischief!

Arn began his schooling at Adams Street Christian School before transferring to Parkview Elementary. As a Wyoming Park High School student, Arn played forward on the school's basketball team, earning Grand Rapids' Player of the Week honors. Determined to be the first person in his family to graduate from college, Arn secured a job as a janitor at Taft Elementary to help pay for his schooling at Grand Valley State College.

While studying for his bachelor's degree in business management, Arn also made additional money by donating plasma, which is how he met the love of his life, Marjory Glaza. Arn and Marj met on her first day working as a phlebotomist. Over the following months, the pair shared many conversations and grew to know one another better. Eventually, Arn gave her a ride home on his Harley Davidson Super Glide, and they began officially dating.

It didn't take long for the couple to begin planning a future together. As Arn was a junior in college, and Marj was attending Mercy Central School of Nursing, they planned to marry once they finished their schooling and secured jobs. On October 16, 1982, the couple exchanged wedding vows and began their 42-year adventure together.

The newlyweds moved into the house they purchased, which became their forever home. Arn began working as a production planner at Readi-Bake, where he worked for several years.

Arn loved most anything outdoors. Whether playing basketball, disc golfing, gardening, riding his motorcycles, hiking, swimming, or biking, Arn was always happy to be outside. He and Marj always had a garden, growing fruits and vegetables and trying something new each year. He loved trail riding on his motorcycle with friends and, eventually, his nephews Chris and Levi. A high-pointer, Arn confidently tackled his goal of climbing the highest point in each state. Often accompanied by his brother, Jim, or Marj and sometimes going solo, Arn successfully completed 45 of 50 climbs!

Together, Arn and Marj enjoyed traveling, exploring the outdoors, hiking, camping, and going on cruises. He and Marj loved spoiling their nieces and nephews with adventures like trips to Mackinac Island, Cedar Point or Six Flags,Yogi Bear Campground, Church Camp at Pentwater, or other fun at the family cottage in Irons. For many years, they also traveled to Florida with Marj's parents, helping them make the trip to or from. When her parents died, they bought her parents' Florida home where they enjoyed making wonderful friends while spending the last 4 winters in Englewood.

Arn and Marj always made room in their hearts and home for cat companions. In later years, they became a foster family for cats and kittens and have fostered over 150! One of Arn's beloved companions was his cat Cash, named after one of Arn's favorite musicians. Cash was always there to comfort Arn after his chemo and radiation treatments as well as on difficult days, snuggling on his lap or curling up next to him in bed.

Sadly, Arn was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer and Alzheimer's disease. For two years, with the unwavering support of family and friends and Marj's love and natural nursing gifts, he valiantly battled both diseases in the comforts of his home. No matter how difficult the challenges he faced, at his core, Arn remained a kind and fun-loving guy who loved his family and friends with his whole heart.

Though our days with Arn were far too few, every moment shared is a gift we will long treasure. May we find much comfort in our countless memories and the honor of carrying Arn's legacy forward. In each moment we choose faith, hope, and love, generously give our warm smile and kindness, provide a safe harbor for others, confidently say "yes" to a challenging goal, or share an adventure with our loved ones, we celebrate the countless ways Arn made the world a better place. In this way, we keep Arn's beautiful memory alive and inspire others as he so inspired us.

Warm thanks to the Faith Hospice Trillium Woods staff for their extra loving care of Arn and Marj, and to nephew Chris, who went above and beyond to help.

Arn is survived by his wife Marj, brother James Timmerman, sister Marjorie (Brian) Grimm; brothers and sisters-in-law Wally (Sandy) Glaza and Jim (Deb) Glaza; 9 nieces and nephews; 9 great-nieces and nephews, and his beloved cats Cash and Chloe. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Kenneth Timmerman.

A Celebration of Arn's Life will be held on Saturday, December 28, at 11am at Grand Rapids First United Methodist Church, with visitation Friday, December 27, from 4pm to 7pm at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel. Arn's family suggests donations to First United Methodist Church or Second Chance Cats of WM. To share a memory or photo or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com

Until we meet again..