Richard "Dick" TenElshof

Richard James “Dick” TenElshof, age 78 of Grand Rapids, born in Detroit, Michigan on June 27, 1945. Our dear husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away May 4, 2024. He began his teaching career in 1967, dedicating over 50 years to Plymouth Christian School, making a lifelong impact on many students. He also worked part-time for Bazen, Muller and Mieras Shoe Stores. He leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Jenny; his beloved children (grandchildren) Rich & Karen (Aaron, Zach, Lauren, Gabe), Tim & Cara (Justin & Meghann VanderZand, Emilee & fiance Luke Schipper, Claire, Annie, Josie), Jonathan and Elise (Seth, Melanie), and Kate & Dave Taft (Jenna, Kyler); brothers, Paul & Marie TenElshof; John & Barb TenElshof; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Maria VanHamburg, Hank & Linda Kegel, John & Nancy Kegel, Ann & Jerry Sporte, Fred & Marie Kegel; as well as nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Marguerite (Verwys) TenElshof; granddaughters Hannah and Lydia, and brother-in-law Bart VanHamburg.

Dick’s service will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 11 AM at First Netherlands Reformed Congregation, 1261 Beckwith Avenue NE. (An audio livestream will be available at listen.firstnrc.org) Interment in Fairplains Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with his family on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Plymouth Christian School. To share a memory or to sign his guestbook, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.