David van Wingerden

David Arthur van Wingerden, 51 of Wakeman Ohio, after 19 months of battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia, entered into his eternal rest on January 15, 2024.

David was born on May 30, 1972, in Oberlin, Ohio, to John and Dawn (Radcliffe) van Wingerden. He lived in one location until graduating from Open Door Christian School.  He then attended The Master’s University in southern California where he studied Business and Biblical Counseling.  It is also where he met his wife, Keri.  They graduated and married in 1995.

After their wedding, they moved to Debre Zeit, Ethiopia, for 16 months of life-changing work and ministry. He advised several local farms regarding the production of different vegetables, fruits, flowers, and dairy products. While there he established Genesis Farms for vegetable production and helped Alema Farms, a chicken hatchery and feed company, get their start.  In his spare time, he loved on a large group of children at a local orphanage, who he never forgot. 

Upon returning to Ohio they started a family and raised five children:  TJ, Makannen, Chatham, Jack and Kaytence. As a father he will be remembered for his love, leadership and his desire for them to grow in wisdom and knowledge - both academically and most importantly their love of Christ and Scripture. 

In 1997, David began his work at Green Circle Growers and eventually made the switch to Express Seed Company. He worked his way up from the bottom to the top but he didn’t consider his job work. He loved it, the people he got to work with, and the travel that it enabled him.   

He served quietly as a Deacon at Grace Church of North Olmsted, making sure the building was well kept.  His unofficial ministry was simply loving people. 

Over the years he was asked to join several Boards where he thrived. Capital Commission, The Master’s University and Seminary, and Upterra all allowed him to sharpen and encourage others. He was a problem solver and loved every minute of these meetings. 

He filled his time with so many different things.  He was always learning and improving his knowledge and skills.  He loved all things plants and people and often tried to combine them by having people join him in his garden. 

David was preceded in death by his mother, Dawn van Wingerden.  

He leaves behind his wife Keri; children TJ, Mak, Chatham (Kayley), Jack and Kaytence; Father John; Parents Tim and Jan Ewing; Sister Connie (Kevin) Hopkins, Sister Ramona (Scott) Giesbrecht; Brother CJ (Alison); Sister Carolyn (Christopher) Ansberry; Brother Jason (Alison); Brother Wesley (Becca); Sister Abby (Dave) Loewen;  Sister-in-law Kayce (Cameron) McClean and 32 nieces and nephews. 

A Memorial service will be held at Parkside Church, 7100 Pettibone Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 2:00 pm, with visitation following. For those who would like to join the service please join here. David van Wingerden Live Stream 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be made to The Master's University in honor of David van Wingerden at  https://gift.idonate.com/masters-university-seminary/david-van-wingerden

For those unable to attend please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.