Douglas Feringa

It is clear to all that Douglas Feringa welcomed anyone and everyone with open arms. He was a strong role model of kindness and generosity, and he was always willing to go above and beyond to tenderly care for those around him. A beloved brother, husband, father, and grandfather, Doug was so blessed to watch his family grow. His faith formed the unwavering foundation of his life, and he understood and exemplified what it meant to follow diligently after the Lord he loved so much. Deeply loved, Doug will be forever missed.

The 1950s in the United States are remembered as a time of great and influential change. The country was flourishing following the end of the Korean Conflict overseas, and back home, popular TV shows such as “I Love Lucy” burst onto the scene, changing the world of entertainment forever. It was during this exciting time that Robert and Donna (Koster) Feringa of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were awaiting the arrival of their firstborn child. On May 14 of 1956, they were so happy to hold their son, Douglas Allen, in their arms at last.

Doug was raised as a typical boy of his generation in many ways. He grew up in the family home in Grand Rapids alongside his younger siblings, Scott, Roger, Karen, and Barbara. Karen’s twin, Kenneth, passed away as an infant. Doug’s father, Robert, supported the family by working as a truck driver while his mother, Donna, strove to raise the children and create a welcoming and beautiful home. From a young age, Doug had a taste for the thrills of life and liked going fast. It was no surprise that he developed a love for fast cars, and he loved going to the drag races in Martin. Doug had a prized Mustang and Corvette. He once decided to race a train with his sister, Barb, in the car with him!

The Feringa family were members of Walker Christian Reformed Church, where Doug built the foundations of his faith. He also played softball in the church league. Doug attended local schools, including West Side Christian School and Calvin Christian High School. An athlete all around, he participated in wrestling and track. Doug graduated from Calvin Christian in 1974, then went on to attend Grand Rapids Junior College. He balanced his education with a full-time job as an auto technician at Jack’s Service Center. In 1976, Doug graduated with an associate’s degree in business and automotive services.

It wasn’t long before Doug met a remarkable young woman named Patricia Wind. He had pulled his Corvette into a car wash and noticed Pat sitting with a friend next door at a burger den. The two were set up on a double date, and Doug was immediately smitten. After their first date, Pat realized that Doug was the man for her. Their relationship flourished over the next two years, and they fell deeper and deeper in love. On April 6, 1979, Doug and Pat pledged to spend the rest of their lives together and were united in marriage at Walker Christian Reformed Church. The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon to Poconos before settling down in Grandville, Michigan, as husband and wife.

Doug was never afraid to work hard when it came to providing for himself and his loved ones, especially since his career brought him so much joy and fulfillment. He put his mechanical skills to good use working on cars and he and Pat also took on the challenge of starting their own company, D&P Auto Service, in the mid 1980s. After a couple of years, they sold the company so that Doug could have more time at home. He then went to work as a service advisor for Harvey Cadillac and Grand Olds, building a solid career that lasted over 30 years. In 1998, Doug lost his job at Grand Olds due to restructuring and went then worked for about a year at Parker Brake before retiring.

There was nothing that was more precious in life to Doug than his family. Over the years, he and Pat welcomed their four children, Rob, Jeremy, Vicki, and Kurt, into their hearts and home. Doug’s kids were his pride and joy, and there was no sacrifice too big to make for their sake. He and Pat committed to sending their children to the same Christian schools Doug had attended as a boy. His house was always a place where his kids’ friends were welcome, and they all called him “Big Man.” Doug made a tradition of bringing Rob, Jeremy, Vicki, and Kurt to the drag races in Martin, and they loved playing Euchre. The Feringa family often camped at Nichols Lake or rented a cottage at Wolf Lake, where they enjoyed hunting and fishing together. Every week, Doug looked forward to going to his parents’ house after church for coffee, treats, and family time.

Later in life, Doug was overjoyed to become a grandfather to his eight beloved grandchildren. Affectionately known was “Grandpa Doug” or “Big Man,” he showered his grandkids with love and adoration. They would have fond memories of falling asleep on his brown chair. All throughout his life, Doug loved kids and was great with them. He could always talk to children and make them laugh.

In his free time, Doug had many hobbies to keep him busy. For years, he stayed active by playing on the church softball league and on a bowling league as well. Doug also liked walking outside when he could or walking around Meijers. He loved fishing on Cranberry Lake and Crockery Lake, and he liked ice fishing. Doug was on the Neighborhood Watch, keeping an eye out for his community. He enjoyed reading and listening to music. Doug was known for his sweet tooth and especially loved cinnamon rolls and danishes. After softball games, he loved stopping at the Root Beer Stand on Leonard Street. Doug had a deep and genuine love for people, and he was always happiest when those around him were having fun.

As all who knew him will certainly agree, Douglas Feringa truly made the most of every moment, never taking a single blessing for granted. He was a shining example of unwavering faith, no matter the circumstances, and as a dedicated family man, he was thrilled to be surrounded by so many loved ones. Though he is already so missed, Doug leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his friends and family will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for his life, we announce the passing of Douglas Feringa, 69, a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend who went home to be with the Lord on Monday 05/19/2025.

Doug was a man of steadfast Christian faith, whose quiet strength and deep love shaped the lives of everyone who knew him. He believed in living simply, loving deeply, and trusting fully in God's grace. His life was a testimony to the power of humility, patience, and quiet devotion.

He found joy in the outdoors and created lasting memories with us kids through fishing trips and camping adventures. Those times under the stars, by the water, or around the campfire were more than just fun — they were lessons in love, presence, and the importance of family.

We’ll always smile remembering his little traditions — like the way he faithfully wore his well-loved Taz shirt every Christmas, no matter how many times we teased him about it. Or how he proudly put on his American Eagle shirt every Fourth of July, celebrating his country with the same quiet pride he carried through every part of his life.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Donna Feringa; and infant brother, Kenneth He is survived by wife, Pat Feringa, children, Rob Feringa, Jeremy(Kari) Feringa, Vicki(Adam) Scheele, Kurt(Kara) Feringa, 8 grandchildren; siblings, Scott (Dawn) Feringa, Roger Feringa (Nancy Hatch), Karen (Steve) VanHouten and Barbara Szymanski; and several nieces and nephews who will continue to honor his memory with love, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the values he passed down. He touched many people’s lives and will be missed by all who knew him.

The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Remembrance Church, 4575 Remembrance Rd NW. The family will receive family and friends on Tuesday from 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW and on Tuesday at church for 1 hr. prior to the service. Contributions in his memory may be made to West Side Christian School. Celebrate Doug’s life by sharing your favorite memories and photos on his dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com