Ed Schuiling

As family and friends will surely agree, Edward Schuiling was a blessing in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know and love him. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and he was well known for his insatiable sense of adventure. Nothing brought Ed greater joy than being surrounded by his loved ones, and he kept family at the center of his life. His willingness to go above and beyond to serve others allowed him to touch countless lives. Although he is gone too soon, Ed will be forever loved and remembered.

The early 1930s were not easy years to be living in the United States of America. The Great Depression strained the nation following the devastating stock market crash at the beginning of the decade, and families across the country struggled to find a way to thrive in their time of need. It was during this tumultuous time that Edward and Clara (Boonstra) Schuiling of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were excited to announce the arrival of their firstborn child, a son they named Edward Dale, on March 2, 1935. Ed would later be joined in the Schuiling family by his three younger siblings, Ruth, Mary, and Ken.

In many ways, Ed had a typical childhood of his generation. He was raised in the family home on Richmond Street NW. Ed’s father supported the family by working as an inspector for Lear Siegler Corporation while his mother was a dedicated homemaker. As a boy, Ed was known to get into more than his share of trouble. He loved chasing adventure from a young age, and he also enjoyed spending his time hunting and fishing. Ed attended local schools, including Walker Station and Union High School. He played football, even earning a varsity letter. Throughout his teenage years, Ed’s grandfather came alongside him as a strong role model. Ed worked for him at his sheet metal shop, and his grandfather taught him many valuable lessons about responsibility and hard work that would serve Ed well in the years to come. Ed also helped his father and grandfather build a cabin near Grayling that would often be enjoyed for hunting and fishing.

Ed’s life was forever changed when he met a remarkable young woman named Doris Boonstra. A friend of Ed’s had invited him to a church youth group party, and Doris immediately caught his eye. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and it wasn’t long before the two knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. At the ages of only 19 and 18, Ed and Doris were united in marriage at Berlin Baptist Church on April 30, 1954. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon to Niagara Falls and a romantic trip to the family cabin near Grayling before settling into their home for the next 71 years of life on Richmond Street, not far from Ed’s childhood house.

Of all the things Ed loved in life, he cherished his family above all else. He and Doris were overjoyed to welcome their four sons, E.J., David, Don, and Dale, into their hearts and home. Ed thrived in his role as a father, and he prided himself on being a tough but fair parent. He would always instruct his sons to “do as I say, not as I did.” Ed took great care to teach the boys about proper gun safety. Over the years, the family enjoyed vacations and many memorable tent camping trips around the country and Canada. Later in life, Ed was thrilled to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. He adored his grandchildren and never missed an event or special occasion, and he took every chance to dote on them.

Ed was never one to shy away from hard work, especially when it came to providing for himself and those who depended on him. He was drafted between WWII and the Korean Conflict, and he spent some time serving stateside as a radar operator. Ed began his career working at Sackner Products Paper Factory for 15 years. Aiming to provide even better for his family, he applied to work at Michigan Bell. Ed was a lineman at first, then eventually transitioned to working in the office. He was also a union trainer and traveled all around the country as an instructor. Ed retired at nearly 60 years old, and in his retirement, he and Doris were able to enjoy several trips to Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada.

Ed had many hobbies to pursue in his free time. He loved car racing at Berlin Speedway and Speedrome in Comstock Park. Ed enjoyed hunting, pheasants, and deer, and he loved everything about guns. His greatest passion was fishing. He was always happiest out on the water. Ed was very mechanical and skilled with his hands, and he instilled those same skills in his boys. His faith was very important, and he lived it out every day. Ed served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at his church home, Berlin Baptist Church, and he always volunteered for projects to fix up the parsonages. He went on a mission trip to Nicaragua, and he cared for people wherever he went.

With a journey that spanned times of war and peace, times of plenty and want, Edward Schuiling never lost sight of what mattered most. He was a shining example of compassion and faithfulness, and he faced every challenge that came his way with unwavering determination. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Ed loved his family completely and unconditionally. His insatiable zest for all the joy life had to offer could be felt by everyone around him, and he truly made the most of every moment he was given. Though he will be deeply missed, Ed leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever be able to hold near and dear to their hearts.

Edward Dale Schuiling, age 90, entered his heavenly home May 8, 2025. Ed was born March 2, 1935 in Grand Rapids, to the late Edward and Clara (Boonstra) Schuiling. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Ken Schuiling; and daughter-in-law, Debra Schuiling. Ed was an avid outdoors man, proud veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the Berlin Baptist Church. On April, 30, 1954, Ed married Doris Boonstra. His wife of 71 years survives, as do their sons, E.J. Schuiling, David (Carol) Schuiling, Don (Deb) Schuiling, Dale (Penny) Schuiling; grandchildren, Dustin (Jesse) Schuiling, Erica (Cody) Kooman, Kelly (Tom) Fields, Julie (Joe) Custer, Ben (Sarah) Schuiling, Laura Schuiling, Chad Schuiling, Caleb Schuiling, Shelby Schuiling, Lucy Schuiling, Emma (Kaleb) Farmer, Abby Schuiling; and 12 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his sisters, Ruth (Bob) DeWitt and Mary Bursma; 11 brothers and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 11 AM at Berlin Baptist Church,14141 State Street Marne, MI 49435. Friends may visit with family on Monday from 3-6 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW and beginning at 10 AM Tuesday at church. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Mel Trotter Ministries. To read more of Ed’s Life Story, leave a memory or sign the guestbook please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.