Henry "Hank" Vern Minnema passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 11th, 2024 after a

long-fought battle with Early Onset Dementia at the age of 61. Hank was a proud paramedic in

West Michigan for over 22 years and loved that his job allowed him to serve his community.

When he wasn't working, Hank enjoyed spending time out in nature with his family and pets,

working out at the gym, and spending nights with a big bowl of ice cream while watching funny

cartoons with his children. Many will remember him for his big personality and quick wit. Hank

lived a life where no one was a stranger to him. Even at the end of his earthly life, Hank

continued to give as before being laid to rest he donated his brain to the University of Michigan

to further the research into dementia and Alzheimer's.

He will be lovingly remembered by his strong and caring wife of 31 years, Cynthia Minnema,

and their three children Crystal (Gabriel) Gumbs, Shelby Minnema, and Dalton H. Minnema. He

is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Theodore Minnema, and mother-in-law, Alberta VanElst.

He is survived by his mother, Tena Minnema; his brothers Tom (Sondra) Minnema, Ted

(Courtney) Minnema, and Rick (Vivian) Minnema; Sister-in-law Pamela (Claude) Rolfe;

Brother-in-law Edward Goldammer; along with many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and

uncles, and friends.

Hank will be laid to rest at a private family ceremony on Wednesday, April 17th. Following, the

family will be hosting a visitation at Zaagman Memorial Chapel in Grand Rapids from 2 pm to 4

pm and 6 pm to 8 pm for anyone who would like to come pay their respects. In lieu of flowers,

the family asks donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association of West Michigan.