Bert F. Timmer Pg. 415-416 - Bert F. Timmer, of the firm of Van Stensel & Timmer, real estate, 902 Grand Rapids Savings Bank building, is a native of Grand Rapids, born here on June 30, 1887. His father and mother, Frank and Angie (Clarveing) Timmer, were both natives of the Netherlands and had received their education and were married before they came to the United States in 1872. They had first located in Cleveland, Ohio, where they remained until 1875, when they came to Grand Rapids. The father was a carpenter by trade and later became a contractor and builder. He is now retired at the ripe age of eighty-three, having been born January 24, 1843. His wife passed away March 24, 1896, at the age of forty-six years. This worthy couple had ten children, of whom four are living. They were members of the Dennis Avenue Christian Reformed church. Bert F. Timmer obtained his early education in the public schools of Grand Rapids, and at the age of fourteen, he became self-reliant, starting to work for the Fred M. Macey Printing Company. He then worked in a machine shop for two years and later learned the carpenter trade. He progressed in his efficiency at this trade until he became a general contractor in 1908. He continued in that work until 1913, when he became associated with Arent Van Stensel, under the firm name of Van Stensel and Timmer. The firm is one of the leading real estate concerns in the city of Grand Rapids and has achieved success in business. Mr. Timmer is a member of the Bethany Reformed church. In 1911 he was married to Miss Gertrude De Vries of Grand Rapids, and they make their home at 250 Diamond avenue, southeast, in Grand Rapids.