Beemer, Terry Leigh went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 26, 2021 at the age of 78. Terry is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty; children Joni (Dave) Jolly, David (Tracey) Beemer, Julie (Ron) Hubbert, and Sarah (Ramon) Sahtoe. He will be missed by his beloved grandchildren Kaitlin, Lauren, Kurt, and Melissa Jolly; Amanda, Hannah, and Megan Beemer; Anna, Rachel, and Grace Hubbert; and Susanna and Sophia Sahtoe. He is also survived by his siblings Ron (Louise) Beemer, Morey (Norma) Beemer, and Sandra Zych. He will also be missed by the "sisters" Margie Maas, Doris Osterink, and Carol Cox. Terry was born on January 5, 1943 in Grand Rapids, MI to Wilbur and Evelyn Beemer. He graduated from South High School in Grand Rapids, and went on to graduate from Michigan State. He taught various grades of elementary school in Wyoming Park for over 30 years, and then was a favorite substitute teacher in Grandville Middle School. His passion was making a difference in the lives of kids. It was a rare occasion when we would go to a large event and not have a former student come up and share a memory of Terry and conclude with saying he was one of their favorite teachers. He married the love of his life, Betty, in 1965, and they settled in Grandville, MI. He was a lifetime member of Olivet Reformed Church. Terry had a passion for a lot of things in life; foremost among them was spending time with his family. He had a love for travel and shared his passion (and excellence in itinerary planning) with his children and grandchildren. He also loved to attend his grandchildren's sporting events. The echo of his trademark phrase "concentrate, little lady" could be heard through many gymnasiums and ballfields. Other favorite memories include camping at Pentwater, doing puzzles at the cottage, baking cookies with the grandchildren; and his world famous homemade raspberry jam, peanut brittle, and applesauce will be sorely missed. Much to Betty's dismay, he was also an avid stamp collector. He was the rock of our family, a guiding Christian leader, and a friend. We love and miss you. A funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Harbor Life Church (formerly Olivet Reformed), 3085 Wallace Avenue in Grandville. Visitation will be from 4-6pm with the service following. Pastor John Ornee will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate with appropriate Covid facemask precautions. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to Camp Geneva or Words of Hope. Interment will be at Grandville Cemetery. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.
Published in Grand Rapids Press from Jan. 27 to Jan. 31, 2021.