Geraldine "Gerri" Zylstra

With a compassionate heart full of enthusiasm for serving those around her, Geraldine Zylstra truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a steadfast source of quiet strength that came from her unwavering faith in the Lord she loved. There was nothing that brought Gerri greater joy than being surrounded by her friends and family, and she deeply savored each moment spent with her loved ones. Her generosity shone in her willingness to go above and beyond for others, and her legacy is one of integrity, kindness, and unconditional love. Gerri will be forever cherished and remembered.

The early 1930s were far from the easiest years to be living in the United States. The Great Depression was a heavy burden on the shoulders of many Americans across the nation following the historic stock market crash in 1929. During such difficult times, it was more important to ever to find reasons to smile, and nowhere was there more to celebrate than in the household of Martin and Anna (Kloostra) Klap as they announced the arrival of their fourth child. Their daughter, who they named Geraldine Sarah, was born in their Grand Rapids home on Knapp Street NE on January 12 of 1931.

Growing up as a girl in the 30s and 40s, Gerri enjoyed a childhood typical of her generation. She was raised alongside her three older sisters, Ruth, Virginia, and Dorothy, as well as her little brother, Marvin. Gerri’s father, Martin, owned Maple Grove Dairy, and she often spent time there growing up. When Gerri was young, the family moved just a short distance away to their home on Marywood. The roots of her faith were planted at Berean Baptist Church throughout her formative years. Gerri attended Creston High School, where she was a very active member of the student body and participated in the choir and in a swimming program.

Following high school at Creston, Gerri went on to pursue further education at Michigan State University. She then began teaching elementary school at North Park Elementary. Teaching was undoubtedly one of Gerri’s greatest callings in life. She connected with her young students in a special way and loved interacting with the kids, from singing songs to keep them entertained to teaching them important skills. Gerri was also exceptionally creative in the activities she planned. She would often do craft projects that had an educational spin, teaching her students even while they were having too much fun to realize they were learning.

Gerri’s love story was truly one for the ages. She first met the future love of her life, Clarence “Bill” Zylstra when they were only twelve. Gerri and Bill attended church together, and he would walk her home. The two eventually began dating, and the rest was history. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Gerri and Bill were married on July 8 of 1952. Bill had enrolled in the United States Air Force. His service brought the young newlyweds to Texas and then to Europe and England, where they were able to spend their spare time exploring. After Bill’s time in the Air Force came to an end, the couple returned to Grand Rapids and settled down in their longtime home on Union Avenue NE.

It wasn’t long before Gerri’s family began to grow. She and Bill were overjoyed to welcome their biggest blessings, Don and Lori, into the world. Gerri thrived in her role as a mother and homemaker, and she poured her whole heart into caring for her family. She and Bill provided a wonderful childhood for their kids. The Zylstras enjoyed time at Higgins Lake, the backdrop for countless of their favorite memories. They often lived there during the summer months with the entire family, including Gerri’s sisters and their children. Gerri loved floating in the lake, hunting for rocks, and birdwatching, but quality time with family was what made those experiences so special. Higgins Lake was her favorite place on Earth. Gerri also planned a memorable and fun three week vacation out West for the family, as well as trips to Florida, Canada and Washington D.C..

Later in life, Gerri was thrilled to become an adoring grandmother to Melissa, Gina, Ashley, Madeline, and Evan. She doted endlessly on her grandkids, showering them with gifts whenever she could. Gerri liked staying close to home so that she could be a present and constant source of support in their lives. Her handwritten notes of encouragement typically pushed her loved ones to grow in their faith. Gerri was also so happy to become a great-grandmother, and she always had a smile ready for the kids when they came to visit. She loved watching her family flourish.

Gerri nurtured many close friendships throughout her life. She had a group of friends from high school called “the girls’ club” that continued to spend time together for decades. As all who knew her can certainly agree, Gerri’s faith was her firm foundation. She attended Bible studies at Calvary Church and was devoted to her prayer time, faithfully praying for those around her and that the lost would find salvation. In her free time, Gerri liked scrapbooking for several years. She and her husband, Bill, loved listening to music from the Gaithers. For more than 20 years, She worked as a poll worker for local and national elections. Even after losing her Bill in 2005, Gerri remained very independent. She stayed in her own home for many years. Later on, Gerri relied on help from her dear friend and neighbor, Jan, before moving in with her daughter for the last few years.

As we gather to reflect on the overflowing life of Geraldine Zylstra, it is easy to celebrate a woman who brought warmth and light into every room. She faced every challenge that came her way with determination, grace, and a reliance on her deep faith, and her positivity never wavered. A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Gerri was the heartbeat of her family. Her selflessness and humility serve as both an inspiration to us all and a challenge to follow after her example. Although life will never be the same without Gerri here, she leaves behind a precious collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold close.

Geraldine “Gerri” S. Zylstra, age 95 of Grand Rapids, entered into Eternal Glory, in the presence of her Lord and Savior on August 10, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence “Bill” Zylstra; and her sisters Ruth Gentry, Virginia Ferwerda and Dorothy Hendricks.

Gerri is survived by her children: Don Zylstra (Cathy Foster) and Lori Jordan (Jim Jordan); grandchildren: Melissa (Dustin) Johnson, Gina Zylstra (fiance Jason Cline), Ashley (Dan) Leppink, Madeline (Josh) Koster, Evan Zylstra; great-grandchildren: Lilly, Rowan, Eloise, Lucy, Evelyn, Amelie, Oliver, Atticus, Edith, Iris, and Elsie; her brother, Dr. Marvin Martin, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to visit with Gerri’s family from 3-5 PM on Sunday, August 16 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. A private graveside service will be held for her family.