Sherwin J. Venema, age 75, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at his home in Bitely. He was born on February 4, 1940 to Sidney and Jeanette (Kamps) Venema on the farm in Jamestown, MI. Sherwin worked in the muck for Superior Brand Produce in Hudsonville. He attended Hudsonville High School and graduated in 1958. Sherwin graduated with a B.A. Degree in 1962 from Calvin College in Grand Rapids. Sherwin met and married Marilyn Schafer in 1960. Sherwin went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver Law School in 1965 and had the distinction of being the first man hired into Kent County Prosecutor's Office before passing the Bar. He was appointed to the Grandville Municipal Court Judgeship in 1968 and opened a private law firm which functioned as the Grandville Municipal Court. While he was judge he helped organize a complete court system for the 59th District Court in cities of Grandville and Walker and was elected to the new office. Sherwin was also active in the State court reorganization. He obtained federal funds and formed a professional probation service for the Cities of Walker and Grandville. Sherwin was a member of the Municipal Judges Association of Michigan where he served as the President for two years and Treasurer for three. He also was a member of the Kent County Bar Association, Michigan Bar Association, American Bar Association, National Conference of Special Court Judges, the District Court Judges of Michigan Association and the Grandville Rotary. Sherwin retired on December 31, 1998 from the 59th District Court. He and Marilyn made their home in Bitely in 2001 where he enjoyed hunting and gardening. Sherwin is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Marilyn; two children, Laurie Newkirk of Paris, Steve (Paula) Venema of White Cloud; four grandchildren, Keith Henry, Steven (Allison) Henry, Alyssa Venema and Sam Venema; five great-grandchildren, Gavin, Levi, Lily Henry and Austin and Jordon Henry; his brother, Alton (Jan) of Hudsonville; a very special Aunt Gladys Bosgraaf and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Sherwin was preceded in death by his parents, Sid and Jeanette; son-in-law, Brian Newkirk and two brothers, Gary Venema and Jerry Venema. Funeral services will be held at 1PM on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at the Baldwin Congregational Church (870 Beech St.) with the family greeting friends one hour prior to services from Noon until 1PM. Interment will be at Lilley Township Cemetery, Newaygo Co. Visitation will be at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids, from 5PM to 8PM on Monday, October 12, 2015. Memorial contributions can be made to the C.I.A. (Children's group) at the Congregational Church. Share a memory online at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Funeral Service Tuesday, October 13, 2015 01:00 PM Baldwin Congregational Church 870 Beech Street Baldwin,MI