Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Dr. Leon David Oostendorp passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, surrounded by family. He was 74 years old.
Born on October 19, 1950, Lee was a lifelong Grand Rapids resident. He graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1976 and was a dedicated surgeon who cared deeply about his patients. Lee found it meaningful working in a teaching hospital for over 40 years where he could share his knowledge and impact the training of generations of physicians. A generous spirit, Lee volunteered his time locally and abroad and felt passionately that everyone deserves fair access to quality healthcare. Lee’s colleagues knew him to be intelligent, principled, kind, and always ready to share a story.
Lee liked nothing better than playing a round of golf, a beautiful day on Lake Michigan, and cheering on the Michigan Wolverines in any and all sporting events. A family man above all, he was incredibly proud of his children and loved spending time with his cherished grandkids. He was famous for making Mickey Mouse pancakes, tackling his whole family’s home projects and repairs, and his award-winning Christmas lights.
Lee is survived by his wife, Cindy Oostendorp; children, Kellie (Chris) Cunningham, Scott (Anna) Oostendorp, and Rachel (Jyotish Bora) Oostendorp; brother, Derk (Nancy) Oostendorp; and mother-in-law, Nancy (Marv) Perry. He was a proud Bubba to three grandchildren, Johnny and Tyler Cunningham and Evelyn Oostendorp. Lee’s family remembers him as generous, humble, and always willing to do anything for his loved ones.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Lubbertus and Evelyn Oostendorp; and sisters, Anne and Carole Oostendorp.
Family will greet friends and relatives from 2-4PM & 6-8:30PM on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546. Funeral services will take place at 11am on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Park Congregational Church, 10 E. Park Pl NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Lee’s kind heart and humble spirit with an act of kindness or helping someone in need.
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You have our deepest condolences. We love you and are available for anything you man need.
A lovely tribute to a kind and gentle man. It was my honor to have met him. My sympathy and love to the family.