George Teitsma

George Teitsma was a devoted father and loving, faithful husband. He worked hard to provide for his family,a businessman with a heart of gold. More than anything, George was a faithful husband, father, grandfather and friend, a good man with a good life, a life he shared with all those around him. .

Born September 12, 1914 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Ralph and Marie (Van Loo) Teitsma, George was the middle of three children. He joined his older sister, Caroline and one year later welcomed sister, Pearl. Those were times of great change and turmoil around the globe, which began the terrible conflict called World War I. In this country, Henry Ford created the eight-hour work day, and doubled workers’ wages to $5 a day. George’s father was a cattle man, while his mother stayed home to care for the children.

George led a fairly typical childhood for his era, playing with his friends and attending Fairview Elementary School.

George came of age during the Great Depression, when his lifelong adherence to hard work and duty was formed. He and his father used their truck to perform various jobs. As an example, George helped his dad deliver coal to homes after school, earning just a few pennies a day.

After graduating from Union High School in 1932, George set out to make a living, first as a truck driver hauling cattle, and then working at the post office and regularly on a mail train that ran from Grand Rapids to Detroit.

George was a hardworking young man, and also a faithful member of Fairview Reformed Church. It was there that a pretty girl named Eleanor DeVries caught his attention. He asked her out on a date in 1935, and it wasn’t long before they both knew this was “the one and only!” They pledged their vows three years later, for the beginning of nearly seventy wonderful years together.

The newlyweds moved to Detroit where they resided for a year, due to George’s position with the U.S. Post Office. The family then moved to the bustling city of Chicago, where they lived through the end of World War II. It was during this time that they welcomed the arrival of their son, Larry.

In 1946, George decided to head back to more familiar surroundings. He moved the family back to Grand Rapids, where Larry went to school. Eleanor began selling a new product called Nutrilite in 1950, to help make ends meet while Larry was in school.

George and his family bought a home in 1956, yet tragedy soon struck the family, when they watched their beautiful home blow away in the Standale tornado just a month later!

Longing to start a business on their own, George joined his wife in the distribution business of Amway in 1958. They were well versed in the company, as Eleanor had been selling for eight years. It was a perfect fit for them. They were also long time friends with the company’s founders, Rich Devos and Jay Van Andel.

George and Eleanor were now a team, not only in their married life, but in earning a living as well. The time they spent as a team definitely paid off, as they eventually became Diamond Distributors for Amway, the loftiest ranking the company bestows.

One of the benefits of working as a team at Amway was to be able to travel together in their Airstream trailer for business as well as pleasure. George and Eleanor traveled a lot, even having the distinction of owning one of the first Winnebago motor homes in Michigan!

After retiring, George and Eleanor extended their team work to their leisure time. Together they went sailing on Lake Michigan with friends, golfing and fishing, “when the lakes had fish,” as George would say. Eleanor loved to play golf and go fishing, and George loved making his beloved wife happy. They also spent many summer days at Canadian Lakes up north, where they lived for nearly 30 years, and wintered in Florida to get away from the drab Michigan winters.

In 2005, she and George moved into Lincoln Square Assisted Living. Two weeks later Eleanor suffered a stroke, which required her to need some additional care. Through it all George, was by her side tending to her needs. Lincoln Square was a place they both enjoyed and made many close friends. Sadly in June of 2006, Eleanor died, leaving behind a grieving husband. George’s son, Larry and wife, Anne, and all of the grandchildren helped George through this difficult time, becoming even closer. George also relied on his deep faith in the Lord, volunteering at his church, serving on the Consistory and attending Bible study. He loved listening to old hymns and reading his bible. A special Bible verse in the last week of his life was, II Timothy 4:6-8.

Eventually, George’s health began to decline, as well, as the years took their toll on him. Sadly, George died on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at the age of 93.

George was a good man, with a good life, a life so full of family, faith and fond memories. His qualities of hard work, faithfulness, and duty were evident in his care of his family and his service to God. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

George is survived by his son, Dr.Larry and Anne Teitsma; grandchildren, Nathan and Tara Teitsma and their son, Tyler, Marc and Denise Teitsma, and David Teitsma; two future great-grandchildren; sister, Pearl Vander Molen; sister-in-law, Lucille DeVries; special niece, Barb Vander Molen; and nieces and nephews. George was a very kind, faith centered man who passed that legacy on to his family. The Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, May 19 at Orchard Hill Reformed Church. Friends may meet with his family from 2-5 PM on Sunday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW and on Monday at the church for one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions to Orchard Hill Reformed Church Building Fund would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read share a memory or photo, or sign his guestbook if you are unable to attend.