Theodore R. Wieringa, a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, MI, died peacefully on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at the age of 66. He was born on January 20, 1956, to Eildert and Aaltje (Niehof) Wieringa.

Ted loved to travel. He enjoyed the journey as much as the destination, preferring to "take the long way home" whether it was returning from The Farm, touring the state with Michele, taking road trips across the country with the family, or cruising around the world with friends.

He and the family would frequently be found at "The Lake House," conveniently parked at one of the campgrounds up and down the Michigan shores. He loved the view from the beach overlook and would never miss the opportunity to take a picture of a sunset.

Ted always enjoyed the outdoors. He'll be remembered for countless mornings and afternoons on the golf course, the roses he planted all around the house, and the epic Christmas light displays he would create especially for his grandkids.

Ever the engineer, Ted was constantly tinkering with something. From building the house that sheltered his family for the last 38 years, to developing a miniature world for his grandchildren full of slot cars and model trains, or upgrading Michele's Corvette – you could be sure that it was glued, nailed, screwed, and bolted. What Ted hath joined, let no man rend asunder (without a crowbar and Sawzall).

Ted is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Michele (Muenzenmeyer) Wieringa; Matt and Sara Wieringa and their children Marieka, Lucas, and Alyssa; Katie and Charlie VanSpyker and their children Olivia, Madelyn, Isabelle, and Walter; Fran and Ken VanDerKolk and Rita Gill; Walt and Mary Muenzenemeyer; plus many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ken.

Visitations will be held at Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI) on Friday, December 9, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m., and Saturday December 10, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul the Apostle Church (2750 Burton Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI) on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a reception for all guests. A private Burial Ceremony will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery (Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI).

Ted loved his dogs and considered them part of his family. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Ted's memory to Paws with a Cause (https://www.pawswithacause.org/donatebutton/).

Wherever Ted was, there were never strangers – he always found a way to connect with and tell a story to the people around him. He used every one of his nine lives to extend this time here, but still left too soon. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors.