Willard J. Kingma, 95, passed away on February 19, 2025, just days after actively celebrating his 95th birthday at parties with his extended family and his church family.

Will was a faithful husband, a great father, a friend to many, a man of deep faith, a successful businessman, and a strong supporter of the Christian Reformed Church and numerous other Christian organizations. Will did not sit around much, and he was regularly seen driving all over West Michigan to visit friends and family, catch a lunch or some donuts and coffee with friends, and attend his Bible study group. He also loved watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in all kinds of school, sport and church activities. Will was passionate about his family and faith, discussing business, singing hymns, traveling, planting or delivering flowers and just being with and talking to people. Will lived a long, independent and abundant life. He will long be remembered for his generosity, kindness, wisdom, humor, joy and faith. He will be deeply missed.

Will was born to William and Grace (Breuker) Kingma on February 15, 1930, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He married the love of his life, Mary E. Bennett, on September 15, 1950, graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School and started or partnered in numerous businesses over the years, most notably Kingma's Market.

Will was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Mary, and by his brothers, Harvey, James, and Edward, and his sister Betty (DeJonge). He is survived and will be lovingly remembered by his sons Robert (Kae) Kingma, Kenneth (Mary) Kingma and Todd (Betsy) Kingma, 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

A visitation with the family will take place at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids on Thursday, March 13 from 6 – 8 p.m. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 14 at Cascade Fellowship Church, 6655 Cascade Rd, Grand Rapids.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider contributing to one of the following organizations:

1) Urban Alliance, a West Michigan non-profit organization that helps transform the lives of many of our less fortunate neighbors and community members: https://htru.io/SMp6 ; or

2) Reach the Forgotten, the largest jail-focused ministry in the U.S., including a strong presence in West Michigan: https://jailministry.org/