Gerald J. Van Wyke, age 95, went to sleep in Holland, Michigan and woke up in heaven to begin his eternal life with Jesus on Saturday, February 6, 2010.

Gerald was born in Grand Rapids, MI on November 23, 1914, and graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School, Calvin College and the University of Michigan Law School. He married Margaret L. Usher in 1940 and they were married for 64 years until her death in 2005.

He served in the US Army Air Corps until 1946. At that time he started his law practice in Holland. He became an Ottawa County District Judge in 1968 and continued in that capacity until his retirement in 1980.

Gerald was a charter member of Bethany Christian Reformed Church, where he served as both an elder and a deacon. During his lifetime he also was a member of the boards of Camp Roger, Pine Rest, Holland Christian Schools and the Calvin Alumni Association, serving as president several times for all of them.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret L. Van Wyke and daughter-in-law, Helen Van Wyke.

He is survived by his children:
Gerald W. and Mary Van Wyke of Birmingham, MI
Paul E. and Jane Van Wyke of Columbia, SC
Ruth and Edward Zeilstra of Ada, MI
William P. and Salvadora Van Wyke of Port Monmouth, NJ
Peggy and Jack Klaasen of Holland
22 Grandchildren
15 Great Grandchildren
many nieces and nephews

Funeral services are planned for 11:00am Thursday, February 11 at Bethany Christian Reformed Church, 11 E 32nd St., Holland with Dr. Douglas Fauble and Rev. Jacob Heerema officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visiting hours are scheduled for 4-7pm on Wednesday, February 10 at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E 16th St., Holland.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC).