Henry (Hank) G. Bloem, age 93, died peacefully on March 26, 2023. A memorial service will be held at Zaagman Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 11 am. The family will receive friends on that date beginning at 10 am.

Hank was born on March 16, 1930, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is survived by his five children, Wayne Bloem, Laura Bloem (James Audia), Gordon Bloem (Nancy Parshall), Cheryl Bloem, and Thomas Bloem (Elisa Tababary); 8 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Hilda (John) Devries and Lillian (Henry Entingh). He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 66 years, Adrianna (Ada); two sisters June (Clare) Bolt, Barbara (Ted) Sjoerdsma; two brothers, Harry (Rose) Bloem and Henry (Harriett)Dezeeuw.

Hank was a wonderful storyteller and would frequently tell stories of his childhood in Grand Rapids and at the family farm in Tallmadge Township. After high school he joined the Navy and served proudly on the Coral Sea and the Bairoko in peacetime and during the Korean War. Upon returning home he went to work at Keeler Brass as a truck driver. It was here that he met his wife, Ada. Ada's family owned a farm on 32nd Street in Paris Township. It was on a parcel from that farm that Hank, with the help of his in-laws, built the family home. It was there they raised their five children, all of whom treasure childhood memories of that house.

Hank and Ada made sure their children lacked for nothing. They scrimped and saved continually so that camping trips to Lake Michigan and longer family vacations to a national park were a part of all of their children and grandchildren's lives. The children were also encouraged to pursue their education and no sacrifice was too great to make sure this happened. All of the Bloem children have obtained advanced degrees and they all understand it never would have happened without the hard work and dedication of their parents.

As important as education was, nothing was more important for Hank and Ada than raising their children as Christians. Their faith motivated everything that they did. They lived by the adage that, "but for the grace of God, there go I" firm in the knowledge that "whatever was done for the least of these my servants" was done for Christ. Hank, in particular, saw God's handiwork in everything from a leaf on a tree to the wonder of a bird in flight.

After retirement, Hank and Ada purchased a motorhome and they loved nothing more than spending the winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It was there that Hank, a great lover of dogs, was dubbed the "Pied Piper of dogs" by neighbors.

In the last months of his life, Hank's memory and his body started to fail him. His family would like to thank the dedicated staff and Holland Home for all of the tender care they provided him with when he could no longer manage on his own.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to the Guiding Light Mission, PO Box 1703 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49501.

If you wish to view the funeral service via livestream, please use this link: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY4MDEwOTgyNjI0MzYxMSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

While also remembering Hank's life, we would also like to continue to remember and celebrate Ada's life as well, as they are finally reunited again. Ada's obituary: Obituary information for Adrianna (Ada) Bloem (zaagman.com).