Gerrit Greg Van Drie was born in Greenville in 1947 and passed peacefully surrounded by family after a long illness in Grand Rapids on November 13, 2023. He had a childhood playing cowboys and robbers, and basketball with his friends, his brother, Denny and his sister, Midge near his parent’s bakery. Greg went on to study business at Ferris State University. He married his sweetheart Lynn Kay Wittenbach in 1968. The couple decided to follow Greg’s growing business career, moving first to Flint, Michigan, then to Steven’s Point, Wisconsin where their daughter Melissa was born, and then to Boise, Idaho where their son Mike came along. All of his life Greg was proud of his accomplishments in procurement, negotiating lower costs, and creating a more efficient supply chain. In 1989 the family followed Greg’s career change from Ore Ida to Senior Executive at Gordon Food Service in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Greg loved to talk about his travels around the world for work and pleasure, especially those in France, Italy, and Hawaii. He was a fervent golfer and played many famous courses. Greg was also a sports fan, especially of the Michigan State football team. He believed in education and following dreams, which he instilled in his children. Many schnauzer dogs were also part of the family throughout his life. Greg listened to Motown and began cooking and gardening while in retirement. Greg was proud of his service in the US Army Reserve. He’ll be remembered for his mentorship, his work ethic, and full-bodied laugh.
Greg is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lynn Kay Wittenbach Van Drie; daughter, Melissa Van Drie; son, Mike Van Drie; daughter-in-law, Erika Schroder; brother, Dennis Van brother, Dennis Van Drie; sister-in-law, Julie Van Drie; his brother-in-law, Denny Wittenbach; and sister-in-law, Carol Drenth. He is preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Stone Van Drie; father, Gerrit John Van Drie; and sister Diane Rhiel.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023, from 10-11 A.M. at Roth-Gerst Chapel, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331, followed by a short memorial ceremony at 11 AM.
The family is very appreciative of the medical care Greg received throughout his long illness. Any donations can be made to the Corewell Health Foundation West Michigan, 100 Michigan St. Suite 4100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 – please note contributions to go to Fund 35728, Kincaid Endowment for Interstitial Lung Disease.
2 Responses
Tom & Mary Alice Armstrong , our thoughts and prayers are with you
Greg and his wife, were great neighbors and friends. And their children, greatly talented. We will miss Greg and his infectious laugh.