Mr. Lester James Berends age 80 of Grant, died Thursday, August 29, 2002 at his residence in Grant. He was born Lester James Berends in Byron Center, Michigan the son of Cornilia (Van Haitsma) and Joe Berends on September 30, 1921. He married Altha May Richards on September 4, 1943 in Onaway, Michigan. He was a Carpenter for CD Barnes Construction, Grand Rapids from 1945 until his retirement in 1972. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4249; American Legion Post Kent City; 24th Infantry Division Association and Disabled American Veterans. He was a veteran having served in the U.S. Army's Headquarters Co., 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division during World War II, from June 15, 1944 to April 12, 1946 when he was discharged as a TEC 5. He is Survived by:

Wife: Altha Berends of Grant

Daughter: Kathy & Ed DeGroot of Kentwood

Son: Raymond Berends of Grant

Daughter: Charlene & Jerry Rogers of Coopersville

Son: Douglas & Nola Berends of Grant

Son: Duane & Nancy Berends of Bailey

Son: Marvin & Debbie Berends of Howard City

Daughter In Law: Cheri Berends of Byron Center

18 Grandchildren

11 Great Grandchildren

Brother: Marion & Lorena Berends of Howard City

Several: Nieces & Nephews

Preceded: in death by

Son: Gary Berends on January 10, 1993,

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM from the McKinley Grant Chapel, on Sunday, September 01, 2002 with Pastor Kelly Carlson officiating. Interment in Hillside Cemetery. Visitation 3-5 & 7-9 PM Saturday. Memorials: Hospice of Michigan - Newaygo County.

- McKinley Funeral Home, Grant, 231-834-5613