Paul Timmermans, beloved child of God, passed away suddenly July 31, 2026 at age 40. He lived a full and rich life, graduating from Elim Christian School (Palos Heights, IL) and working both at the Café at Trinity Christian College and for the last 12 years, at the Café at Meijer Gardens. He still had time for social activities, bowling each week, singing in a choir, and sharing in the babysitting of nieces and nephews. He enjoyed giving, writing his weekly check to church as well as making a gift to establish a library at Loop Church. Both his family and church family were exceedingly important to him, and there wasn't a person he didn't view as a friend (e.g., he once suggested we invite our then Illinois Senator Barack Obama and Michelle over for dinner). He received his catechism preparation from friend Al Vander Lugt at Neland Ave. Church, where he was both baptized and made his profession of faith. He knew that Jesus loved him, he loved Jesus unconditionally in return, and generously passed on that love to so many.

He is survived by his parents, Steven and Barbara Timmermans, as well as his grandmother Angie Bosscher. Also surviving are his siblings Katherine (Ben) Brower, Yaineabeba (Sam Lankah) Tadese, Rebecca (Abel Teshome) Timmermans, Jessica (Christopher) Colvin, Getenet (Bethelihem Temesgen) Timmermans, and Fekadu Timmermans; as well as his nieces and nephews who delighted in their Uncle Paul: Aser, Bemnet, Ella, Betselot, Saba, Miles, Alleluia, Faben and Kenna. In addition, he is survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. His grandparents (Bill and Lois Timmermans) and grandfather (Jim Bosscher) preceded him in death.

Visitation will occur at Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St. SE., Grand Rapids, Michigan) on Thursday, August 6 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A service will be held 11:00 am Friday, August 7 at First Church, 651 M.L. King Jr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI. Donations in Paul's memory will be accepted by Ethiofaith USA, a special education school in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia that his brother Getenet founded because Paul was an inspiration to him. (see ethiofaith.org for on-line giving or mailing address).