Dave Bouwkamp

Throughout a journey that spanned times of conflict and peace, times of plenty and want, David Bouwkamp never lost sight of what truly mattered. He was a constant source of strength, and he leaned on his faith at all times, exemplifying what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord he loved so much. Nothing brought Dave greater joy than surrounding himself with his family and friends. Life was far from easy, but he faced every challenge that came his way with grace and unbroken determination. Already so missed, Dave will be forever loved.

The late 1940s were some amazing years to be an American. Following the end of WWII in 1945, countless servicemen were called home and families were reunited at last. The economy was thriving, and the historic baby boom was underway. During this exciting time, Lawrence and Gertrude (Nyholt) Bouwkamp of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were awaiting the arrival of their second child. It was on January 18 of 1947 that David Lawrence made his entrance into the world as the firstborn son of the Bouwkamp family.

As a boy, Dave enjoyed a typical childhood of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home in Grand Rapids alongside his five siblings, Nancy, John, Joyce, Roger, and Tim. Dave’s father, Lawrence, supported the family as the owner and operator of Bouwkamp Heating and Cooling while his mother, Gertrude, tended to the house and children as a homemaker. Growing up, Dave built the solid foundation of his faith with his family at East Leonard Christian Reformed Church. His first job was running his own paper route, and as an active young man, he loved playing baseball in his free time.

Dave attended local schools, including Creston Christian School and Grand Rapids Christian High School. As a teenager, he worked for his father in the family business, cutting sheet metal for duct work. Dave graduated from Grand Rapids Christian in 1965. He then went on to join the National Guard, dedicating himself to the service of his country. Throughout the six years of his service, Dave was deployed twice, including once in response to the Detroit riot in 1968.

While still in high school, Dave’s attention was captured by a wonderful young woman named Mary Hollander. She was the younger sister of one of Dave’s friends, Jan. Dave asked Mary out, and the two enjoyed a memorable first date to a Grand Rapids Trackers basketball game at the Civic Arena. Over the next three years of dating, they fell deeply in love and soon decided that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. Dave and Mary were united in marriage at Beckwith Hills Christian Reformed Church on April 5, 1968, a sunny spring day. The newlyweds then went on a honeymoon to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee before settling into their first apartment on Lane Street.

When it came to providing for himself and those who depended on him, Dave was never afraid to work hard. He was a United States postal carrier and sorter. Dave was also a courier for American Courier Service. For the majority of his career, he worked as the head of maintenance for West Side Christian School and Calvin Christian School. In his retirement, Dave stayed busy driving a school bus for West Side Christian School.

Dave’s family was his biggest priority in life. He and his wife, Mary, were overjoyed to welcome their three children, Dave, Jeff, and Jennifer, into their hearts and home. Dave thrived in his role as a father, and though he could be a strict disciplinarian when he needed to, his kids were his greatest source of pride and joy. He loved fishing and camping with the children, and he always stepped forward to coach their baseball teams. Later in life, Dave was thrilled to become a grandfather to his many beloved grandchildren. He adored them above all else and would always give lawnmower rides or let them steer the car into the campground. Dave’s precious dogs were more like members of the family than pets. He took great care of Max, Sam, Mindy, Roz, Sampson, Snickers, and Buddy, and he was also known to bring home strays as well.

Dave could often be found serving at his longtime church home, West Leonard Christian Reformed Church. He was an elder and often worked with the young people programs, and he was always one to jump in to serve wherever he was needed. In his free time, Dave enjoyed bowling and fishing. He discovered a deep passion for golf as a young man and played in leagues. Dave loved playing softball in church leagues and city recreation leagues. Around the house, he stayed busy with yard work and any handiwork or projects he could get his hands on. Lake Leelanau was the backdrop of countless happy memories over the years, and after retirement, Dave looked forward to spending more time there with their trailer.

When reflecting on the life of David Bouwkamp, it is easy to see both his unwavering perseverance and his unconditional love for his family. He was a strong role model of kindness and faith for all those who looked up to him, and when he saw a need in his church or his community, he did what he could to fill it. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Dave always held his loved ones close and put their needs before his own. His heart of service allowed him to impact the lives of so many others for the better. Though he will be dearly missed, Dave leaves behind a priceless legacy that his friends and family can be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

David Lawrence Bouwkamp, age 78, passed away July 8, 2025, at Corewell Butterworth Hospital, due to complications of leukemia. Dave was born January 18, 1947 in Grand Rapids, to the late Lawrence and Gertrude (Nyholt) Bouwkamp. He served in the National Guard and was a longtime member of West Leonard Christian Reformed Church. Dave was head of maintenance at West Side Christian School and later, at Calvin Christian School and in retirement, was a school bus driver for West Side Christian. On April 5, 1968, he married Mary Hollander. His wife of 57 years survives, as do their children, Dave (Shawna) Bouwkamp, Jeff (Brenda) Bouwkamp, Jennifer Kole; grandchildren, Dylan (Beca) Kole, Alexis Kole, Austin Kole, Morgan (Kevin McConnell) Bouwkamp, Kendall (Jim) Shanahan, Anna Bouwkamp, Samantha Bouwkamp, Bryce Bouwkamp, Brady Bouwkamp, and Kayden Bouwkamp. Also surviving are his siblings, Nancy (Gerald) Hoekstra, John (Nancy) Bouwkamp, Joyce (Chuck) VanDongen, Roger (Carol) Bouwkamp, Tim (Jane) Bouwkamp; in-laws, Jan (Carol) Hollander, Joe (Anita) Hollander, Tom (Ena) Hollander; and many nieces and nephews. According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life gathering will be held Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 2-5 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Memorials may be made to West Leonard Christian Reformed Church. To read more of Dave’s Life Story, leave a memory or sign the guestbook please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.