With great sadness, our family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Gerald James Kruyf, Jr. (Jerry) was born May 22, 1934, to Minette and Gerald Kruyf, Sr. in Chicago, Illinois. Jerry attended school and worked in Chicago until 1952 when he moved to Holland, MI to attend Hope College. There he studied Communications, became a member of the Cosmopolitan Fraternity, sang in the chapel choir, was an actor in many theater productions, and attended Vienna Summer School. Jerry earned his master's degree at Syracuse University, one of the few universities leading the charge in TV and radio production as color TV emerged.

Jerry's career in broadcasting began at KMTV in Omaha, Nebraska as the floor manager of the color TV station. In 1958, Jerry started working as a news reporter and radio DJ in Grand Rapids for WJEF. Later, Jerry returned to Hope College as their Director of public relations where he learned to use a 16MM camera, which led him to become a cinematographer for TV 8 Time-Life Productions, Rapistan, and Herman Miller. He worked all over the US and filmed on special trips in India, Ethiopia and Nigeria. Jerry then worked for Gerber in Fremont, MI as their Audiovisual Manager. He liked to tell stories of meeting and photographing the original Gerber Baby and tasting lots of baby food. He went on to work in audio/visual for Steelcase and Amway. After retiring, Jerry wrote grants for Christian Schools International. He especially enjoyed his post at the local radio station, WFGR, broadcasting classical music. He was the studio manager and produced his pet program "Choral Classics" airing Sunday mornings.

In 1966 Jerry became what he called, an uncle "father" and took over the care of his sister's 4 children, who were housed at Bethany Christian services. Bethany had been taking the kids to LaGrave CRC for services and boy scouts. Because of this connection, Jerry joined LaGrave on April 28, 1968. Jerry cared for 3 teenage nephews for 6 years, while his niece Laurra was cared for by his parents. To this day, his living nephews and niece recall this time with "Unk" fondly and think of him as a beloved father figure. Jerry remained an active member at LaGrave CRC during his life. He organized numerous mission trips to Romania and Honduras, making life-long friends wherever he went. He also served as recording volunteer, choir member for over 50 years, Elder, and Deacon.

Jerry loved classical music - both instrumental and choral. Jerry sang bass in the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys for 31 years and performed with Opera Grand Rapids. The Kruyf Family had season tickets to the Grand Rapids Symphony for over 35 years. One of Jerry's fondest memories was singing Chichester Psalms under Leonard Berstein in Chicago.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 42 years, Susan. Their children: Zachary (Carmen) and Katie (Seth), and 5 grandchildren: Clara (6), Alexander (5), Arie (3), Rigsby (3), and Crew (2). Jerry was a loving and active father. During retirement he was a "stay at home dad" who handled laundry, cooking, and attended many sporting and musical events. Jerry was slow to anger, a reliable, logical decision maker, and had a zest for adventure. Jerry and Susan traveled all over the world. Jerry loved to spend time with his grandchildren, where perhaps being quite hard of hearing was a blessing, especially when they were all together.

Although Jerry lived over 91 years, it doesn't seem like enough. Our family takes comfort in knowing that he lived a remarkable life, was a blessing to so many, and fought the good fight.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys in honor of Jerry's lifelong love of English cathedral choral singing. Visitation with the Kruyf Family will take place at Zaagman Funeral Home on January 6th from 530-730PM. Jerry's memorial service will be held at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church on January 8, 2026 at 11AM, with visitation beginning at 10AM.