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William Fles of Jenison, MI: The Lord brought Bill into this world in 1944. He took him into his arms on Wednesday, July 5, 2017. He is survived by his wife Crystal; children Brad and Jenn Fles; grandchildren Ashley, Jayden and Nolan. He is also survived by his brother Jim and Ruth Fles; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Sue and Ron Windemuller, Sally and Harry TenBrink, Karen and Dave Lankhorst, Tom and Debbie Heyboer, Mark and Patti Heyboer; and many nieces and nephews. We want to say thank you to the staff of the Dialysis Clinic who were so kind to Bill and attentive to his needs. The patients became family to Bill and he cared for each one. Bill had a passion to help those who needed his time, his knowledge, and his love. He enjoyed volunteering for various Boards. Bill's desire was to help the youth have a good Christian education and was willing to invest his time and help to prepare the youth for the future. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 10, 11:00 AM, at Fair Haven Ministries (2900 Baldwin St., Hudsonville, MI 49426). Visitation will also be at Fair Haven Ministries on Sunday, July 9 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. Private interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Jenison Christian School or Hand2Hand Ministries.
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John Venema
Bill Fles had a tender heart even at a young age:
Around 5th grade I injured my knee and was in a cast from hip to ankle for several weeks.
At a school outing, my classmates were playing games. I was miserable, sitting alone on a bench.
Bill came over and spent half of the afternoon sitting by me.
I am blessed to have had him as a playmate.
John Venema
Marty DeBoer
Bill was always a person of grace in my presence. I have fond memories of him, the last being at our 50th reunion. I am sorry, Fles family, for your loss.
Marty DeBoer
Dave Brinks
Warm wishes to Bill's family. We are sorry for your loss but celebrate Bill's gain. Lots of good memories of an old friend. Farewell, Bill, until we meet again.
Dave Brinks
John Musch
Bill was a good friend many good times in HS. Best to his family. He will be missed .
Tom Eggebeen (Eggebeen)
And so the years swiftly pass ... so many memories of band concerts, drums, parties, double-dating and the runabout on Lake Michigan, in heavy swells ... where even a seasoned salt like Bill said, "I'm worried; let's turn around and head back" ... and so we did, and made it to safety in the Grand Haven harbor. My sympathies to Crick and to the family ... a loss is just that, a loss, and hearts are broken, and tears fall without restraint ... but every tear shed is a testament to love, love given and love received. The journey is done, and the good work of his life was well finished ... he leaves this a better world for having passed our way. Keep the heads tuned, Bill, and don't forget the paradiddles.
Bob Zaagman
Monday was one of the more difficult days of my career. Saying good bye to my friend Bill, keeping the details of running the funeral in the forefront, supporting Crick and unsuccessfully controlling my emotions all at the same time.
We spent many an afternoon at the lake watching the boats go by and remembering our days together on the water. It has been over 55 years since we met, detailed cars together, double dated, stood in our wedding, enjoyed our kids together, buried our parents together and in general enjoyed our lives together.
Thank you Lord for bringing us together and giving us the gift of friendship. Bill, we will miss you greatly but also are so thankful your suffering is over. There cannot be dialysis in heaven! Thank you for your faith and example. So long friend, "we will see you in the morning!"
Bob and Marybeth Zaagman
Bill Toering (Toering)
We were aquaintances in high school but several years later through a mutual friend, Bill and I talked with each other at this friends place of business many times. We met as seasoned adults and quickly found many similar areas of interest, that sparked conversations and remembrances that resumed where they left off previously. We talked about navigating systems and agencies so that those who needed help could get access to help.
My sense after several conversations is that Bill possesd a deep desire to help those in need or in helping those who have lost their way, just doing life. My life is richer becasue I knew him. I'm sure that Bill touched many lives and he will be missed by those he cared for and those he cared about.