Conrad "Connie" Portenga

Mr. Conrad "Connie" Portenga, age 94, went to be with his Lord early Monday, December 3, 2007 in Muskegon. He was born on February 11, 1913 in Munster, Indiana to Steven and Elizabeth (VanDrunen) Poortinga, and had resided in the Muskegon area for most of his life. Mr. Portenga served 4 years in the U.S. Navy in the Asian Pacific Theater, taking part in the invasion of the Philippians during World War II. He worked as a mechanic for Hathaway Motor Company for many years, retiring from West Side Automotive. Mr. Portenga was an active member of both Immanuel Christian Reformed Church and First Christian Reformed Church where he served as Elder, Deacon, and Sunday School Teacher. He was on the board for Christian Reformed World Missions, and volunteered many hours for CRWRC and Western Michigan Christian High School. He also loved gardening, sports, reading, and most of all his family. SURVIVORS include his wife of 61 years, the former Grace Holtrop, whom he married on October 25, 1946; 2 children, Sharon Boersma of New York City, Mariel (Dave) Poel of Fremont; 4 grandchildren, Jeremy (Esther) Boersma stationed in Norfolk, VA, Jennifer (Aaron) McClendon of St. Louis, Rebecca (Scott) Sytsema and Jonathan Poel both of Muskegon; 2 great granddaughters, Zoe and Sydney Sytsema; brother, Richard (Tena) Poortinga of Dyer, IN; 3 sisters, Johanna Haak of Grand Rapids, Martha Carrieri and Dorothy (Wilbur) Bruinsma both of Lansing, IL. SERVICES will be 3 PM Thursday at The Lee Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100 with Rev. Mike Borgert officiating. VISITATION with the family will be 5-7 PM Wednesday. Burial will take place in Restlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Muskegon Christian School, Western Michigan Christian High School, or Hackley VNS Hospice would be appreciated.