January 5, 1940 – December 10, 2022

Arvin James Bleyenberg, 82, of Jenison, Mich., went to be with his Heavenly Father on December 10, 2022. He was born January 5, 1940, to Arthur and Carrie (Menning) Bleyenberg of Edgerton, Minn.

Arvin was an extremely active person and enjoyed managing his daily yardwork, garden, and produce harvest. He was known to share the abundance with friends and family graciously. He was a devoted member of Grace Protestant Reformed Church. A dairy farmer most of his life in Edgerton, Minnesota; in his later years he enjoyed helping his children with outdoor projects and was happy to labour alongside them. Arvin was a loyal friend and cared deeply for the people in his life. He loved God and exemplified his faith in his daily walk. We are thankful for the legacy of faith rooted into our heritage. He will be deeply missed, but we are grateful for our hope in eternity, and that we will be reunited someday in glory.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rose Bleyenberg; nine children: Ivan Bleyenberg, Gerardo and Lila VacaGuzman, Rick and Sharon Corson, Kevin and Arlys Vink, Verlyn and Jennifer Bleyenberg, Todd and Vonda Kaptein, Mark and Kristin Bleyenberg, David and Sara Bleyenberg, Rodney and Heather Bleyenberg; 29 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and another on the way; siblings and in-laws: Harold Steenstra, Charlotte Bleyenberg, William and Jeanette Bleyenberg, Betty and Alvin Bleyenberg, Carla Kane, James and Gloria Bleyenberg, Bob and Martha Bleyenberg, Art and Mary Bleyenberg; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins that also meant a great deal to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Carrie Bleyenberg, his daughter, Leann Fae Bleyenberg, and granddaughters, Allie and Alliese Kaptein; as well as four of his siblings, Ethel Steenstra, Arnold Bleyenberg, Eugene Bleyenberg, and Gary Bleyenberg.

A funeral service was held in Michigan on Tuesday, Dec. 13., 2022, at Grace Protestant Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. In Minnesota, there will be a visitation from 1-3 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 16, at First CRC of Edgerton followed by a graveside service at Hillside Cemetery.