Maurice Faasse Obituary & Funeral | Grand Rapids, MI | Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes (2024)

Maurice Faasse worked hard throughout his life, but not because he wanted to accumulate great wealth or stature. He worked so that he could give generously to those around him. To Morrie, there was nothing better than the love shared among the family he viewed as his priceless treasure. He possessed an enduring faith that served as his constant companion throughout both the easy and hard times along his life’s journey. Morrie leaves behind lessons in integrity, perseverance through times of trial, and unconditional love that will live on in the hearts and lives of those he leaves behind.

The year 1926 was a year that changed the face of our nation as it was during this year that the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) was established, the first successful flight over the North Pole was made, and Henry Ford introduced the eight hour workday. It was also during this year that there was great cause for celebration in the family of Martin and Mary Faasse as they welcomed the birth of their son, Maurice, on September 25th. Maurice was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as one of seven children in his family, which included brothers Adrian and Vincent and sisters Adrianna, Harriet, Dorothy, and Esther. His father worked as a tool and die maker while his mother was a homemaker. Morrie was raised in the family home on the northeast side of the city.

From an early age, Morrie was very driven. He was a competitive young boy who was constantly trying to beat his siblings at various games. He attended Grand Rapids Public Schools and made the walk each day to and from school with his sister Dorothy. While he was still in school Morrie, along with his cousins, worked as a caddie at Kent Country Club in order to earn a little spending money. Morrie was an excellent student who was naturally intelligent. After graduating from Central High School, Morrie immediately joined the Air Force. He spent the next several years in the service before returning home. Morrie served as a radar mechanic and was discharged from Fort Sheridan, Illinois.

Once again a civilian, Morrie used the G.I. Bill to continue his education. He attended Grand Rapids Junior College in a pre-engineering program, however, after being urged by his family, Morrie decided to pursue a career in the medical field. He graduated from the Northern Illinois College of Optometry but never actually used his degree since he decided to come alongside his family during their establishment of the family business, Best Metal Products, instead.

Life turned a different corner for Morrie when he made the acquaintance of a young girl with whom he would share an abiding love. Her name was June Bolema, and they met at Herpolsheimer’s Department Store where she was a sales clerk. After dating for a year, Morrie and June were married on October 3, 1952, at Seventh Reformed Church. After a honeymoon in Niagara Falls, the newlyweds settled into a place on Diamond NE, but they later purchased their first house on Ecklund Street. Their home on Ecklund was where they welcomed their three children: Mark Edward, Sandra Lynn, and James Peter. In 1965 they moved to a home on Blythe NW where they lived for the next 38 years. Morrie was protective of his family and did his best to provide them with everything they needed. Education was very important to him and he provided not only his children with a college education, but he later provided his grandchildren with the very same thing.

Family always played an important role in Morrie’s life. He was very close to his siblings and had lunch daily with his brothers. Quite often they all drove blue Cadillacs and were referred to as the “Mafia” by their friends and family.

Over the years, Morrie worked hard at Best Metals in order to support his family. He was a partner in business with his brother Vincent and together they ran a successful operation. Morrie loved his work and didn’t like to spend much time away. When he did take some time off from work, Morrie treasured the time he spent with his family at the cottage during the summer, and he also spent his winters in Florida for 30 years as well. He enjoyed reading, especially theological books, and he also liked watching football and baseball on television. Morrie was an active member of Seventh Reformed Church, serving as an elder, a Sunday school teacher, and a catechism teacher for several years. He and June did some traveling over the years to destinations such as the Canadian Rockies, Europe, and Japan, but Morrie was always glad to return back to work.

For the last 20 years of his life, Morrie struggled with Parkinson’s disease. For the first ten years he was able to maintain his lifestyle, but he then required more care. June tenderly cared for him at home for the five years that followed but when it became too much for her, Morrie moved into the Christian Rest Home.

Maurice Faasse was a truly remarkable man who touched the lives of those who were within his reach. He had a strong work ethic and was driven to succeed. Morrie was generous with both his time and resources, providing a college education not only for his children and grandchildren, but also for others in need of such an opportunity. He enjoyed many things throughout his life, yet spending time with his family always topped his list. Morrie will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Maurice Faasse died on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at the Christian Rest Home. Morrie’s family includes his wife, June; children, Mark (Lynda) Faasse of Grand Rapids, Sandra Daniels of Grandville, James Faasse of Grand Rapids; his grandchildren, Jeremiah and Jessica Daniels, Lacey and Kirk Eklund, Margaret and P.J. Scalf, Emmalyse, Isaac, Kallie and Sam Daniels; his brother and sisters, Vincent Faasse, Harriet (Pete) Vanden Toorn, Dorothy Hitchco*ck, Esther Richards and sister-in-law Flowell Faasse and many nieces and nephews. Morrie was preceded in death by his brother Adrian Faasse, sister Adrianna Svevad, brothers-in-law, Robert Hitchco*ck, Dave Richards, Ralph Svevad, and sister-in-law Mary Faasse. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Chapel of Seventh Reformed Church, 950 Leonard NW with interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Friends may meet the family on Monday from 7-9 p.m. and on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Van’t Hof Chapel – Grand Rapids, MI, 851 Leonard NW and for one hour prior to the service at church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Christian Rest Home Foundation, 1000 Edison NW, 49504.