With the sudden passing of Harold Lee Zeeryp, on Friday, October 18, 2024, we are reminded that life should not be taken for granted. Mr. Zeeryp passed away at the age of 73, outside, where he loved to be. Harold was born on November 3, 1950 in Jennings, Michigan to Louis and Almyra (Gill) Zeeryp.

When he was 14, his father passed away and Harold moved in with family in the Evart area where he graduated from high school in 1968. He went on to earn an Associates Degree from Ferris State University. Harold married his high school friend, Leatha Sherman, on June 27, 1970 at the Ogilvie Wesleyan Church. They established their home on 11 Mile Road just north of Evant in 1976. At the Zeeryp home, they enjoyed hosting snow parties (where Harold was the quad driver), deer hunting camp, and numerous family games nights. These events always held lots of laughter and memories for the generations to come! Recently Harold hung up his quad keys for his zero-turn lawnmower and his compact tractor.

There was no doubt that Harold loved his family and always stressed the importance of his family to be together. He has passed on many of his interests and passions to his grandchildren and great grandchildren including a love for deer hunting and horses. During the summer months, family camping trips and backyard volleyball filled the weekends. Harold was known to be the ball hog in those backyard volleyball games!

Never one to sit still, Harold was actively involved with the Ogilvie Wesleyan Church of Evart where he sat on the Church Board, led in song service, and volunteered to help wherever there was a need. He was also known to regularly travel to East Jordan to work alongside his son at Pleasant Valley Bible Camp always focusing on promoting the gospel of Jesus through his actions. His dedication to the Lord not only showed with his volunteering at church and camp, but also with Keryx Prison Ministries.

Throughout the years Harold held many job titles, but his desire to work with people was always shown. Because of his love for the outdoors, Harold's favorite position was his work with the DNR. He also worked as a cabinet maker at the Pine Shop in Big Rapids, Custodian for McBain Public Schools, and as a Security Guard at the Muskegon River Youth Home. Currently, Harold was in charge of maintenance for the Osceola County Commission on Aging where he also delivered meals and made med runs.

Harold is survived by: his wife of 54 years Leatha; two children, Nathan (Kim) Zeeryp of Marion and Nicole Zeeryp of Evart; three grandchildren, who will now carry their Papa with them in their hearts, Alexis (Matt) Eash of Cadillac, Ethan (Chloe) Zeeryp of Blue Springs, Missouri and Trevor (Madelyn) Zeeryp of Middleville; two great-grandsons, Carter and Caysen Eash; siblings, Alice Tyler, Anne Zeeryp, Cecil Zeeryp and Alma (Hank) Gardner; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends he’s made throughout the years.

Harold was preceded in death by; an infant sister, Betty Irene; three siblings, Bertha, Jay & Louis and his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at the Evart Free Methodist Church with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Robert Tripp will be officiating. Family and friends are welcome to exchange stories and help support each other, during this time of loss, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Corey Funeral Home in Evart from 5 to 8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given to the Osceola County Commission on Aging or Keryx. For those of you that can’t join us please leave a message on Harold’s page at coreyfuneralhome.com