Longtime Wayland firefighter Mark Wierenga dies

Mark Alan Wierenga, age 67, of Wayland, died Thursday, June 13. 

He was born Aug. 8, 1956. to Robert Wierenga and Berniss Young (née Mulder) of Grandville. He was baptized at Hope Christian Reformed Church and was a graduate of Grandville High School. He worked at Steelcase for 40 years. Mark married Sara, on July 21, 2000.

Mark served as a firefighter on Wayland Fire-Rescue Department for 34 years and Wayland Area EMS for 16 years. At the time of his death, he was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Wayland.

The department posted on Facebook: “It is with a heavy heart that the Wayland Fire Department announces the passing of firefighter Mark Wierenga. He bravely fought cancer for the past 13 months and passed away peacefully earlier today (Thursday).  Mark has been a firefighter for 34 years and has been a friend and mentor to many.”

The Leighton Township Fire Department posted: “Mark served the community of Wayland and all surrounding areas for many years selflessly and has made many friends along the way.  We are all proud to call him brother.”

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Robert Wierenga and infant sister, Lynn. He is survived by his wife, Sara (née Harroun) Wierenga; children Jennifer (Jason) Berghoef, Steven (Greg) Wierenga, Alex Harroun; grandsons Elijah and Ben Berghoef; mother, Berniss Young; sisters Deb Wierenga, Diane Aalderink; brothers Scott (Sue Ann) Wierenga, Larry (Chris) Wierenga.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, Wayland. The Order of Christian Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1235 – 135 Ave., Wayland with visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the worship service; the Rev. Rick Scheibe officiating.

In memory of Mark and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WAFFA.

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