Obituaries

Mr. Julius Henry Harmelink, 102 years of age, and a longtime resident of Clark Retirement Community went to be with Jesus, His Lord and Savior, on Monday, February 1, 2010.  Julius was blessed with a full, healthy, and happy long life.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Donna Ann Covey and two grandchildren, Craig Beals and Eric Beals.  Surviving children are:  David and Christine Harmelink; Judith and Arthur Beals; Ralph and Charlene Harmelink (all residents of Grand Rapids, MI).  His eight grandchildren are:  The Rev. Dr. Daniel and wife Miki Harmelink (Huntington Beach, California); Kathy and Scott Taylor; Matthew and Susan Harmelink (all of Schoolcraft, Michigan); Paul Harmelink (Grand Rapids); Brian and wife, The Rev. Martha Beals; Annie Beals and Lee Taylor; Kevin and wife Laura Harmelink; and Christopher and Brenda Harmelink (all of Grand Rapids). Julius also has nine great grandchildren. Julius was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Grand Rapids and spent his working years as a sales manager for a number of food companies: Ralston Purina, General Mills, and Hills Brothers Coffee.  Julius contributed over 5,000 hours of volunteer work at Clark Retirement Community.  A Praise Service for the life of Julius will be held at First United Methodist Church of Grand Rapids, 227 East Fulton, Saturday, at 2:00 p.m. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service.  A Memorial Service at the Clark Retirement Community Chapel in Grand Rapids will be announced and held at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church or the Clark Benevolent Fund.