Dec. 23, 2017 – Rex R. Kingsland, 89, and a life-long resident of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on December 20, 2017. Rex spent the majority of his life in Cascade Township where he owned and operated several businesses, including Kingsland Hardware, which he started in 1950.
Despite his self-made success, his wife and family always remained the most important.
He is survived by his loving wife, partner, and sweetheart of 67 years, Joyce; four children, Linda (Dr. Alan) Doering, Sandy (Diana) Kingsland, Shirley (Tom) Jansen, and the Hon. Annette (J.J.) Ziegler; nine grandchildren, Dr. Arthur (Dr. Kelly) Doering, Libby Doering, Jeff (Michelle) Kingsland, Scott Kingsland, Andrei Jansen, Catalin Jansen, Keller Ziegler, Charlie Ziegler, and Drew Ziegler; and five great grandchildren.
Growing up, Rex attended South High, Lowell High School, and Davis Tech. He loved spending time outdoors, playing golf, fishing, boating, camping, and especially loved spending time with his family. Throughout his life, he mentored many beyond his family as well, passing on important values like hard work, dedication, honesty, dependability, punctuality, and prudent spending.
Often, these individuals would return as adults to thank him for giving them not just a job, but also life-long skills. Rex was also an active member of the community. He attended and was a member of the Cascade Christian Church for more than 70 years. He was also a member of many local organizations, including the Ada Masonic Temple, the Cascade Business Men’s Association, several golf clubs, and AMBUCS.
Rex and Joyce preferred to donate anonymously to and through these organizations, and was especially dedicated to enabling Tassell Park, which is located at the site of his childhood home. Through this project, he and Joyce sought to provide opportunities for families to enjoy fishing, picnicking, canoeing and kayaking, just as he had growing up.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 27 at Cascade Christian Church, with Pastor Jill Forton officiating.
The family will greet friends on Tuesday, December 26 from 4-6p.m. at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, and from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service on Wednesday at Cascade Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Cascade Christian Church or the Arthritis National Research Foundation are appreciated.