Allan J. Van Popering

Allan J. Van Popering, age 92, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family, on January 8, 2026. He was born on October 17, 1933, in Wyoming, MI, to Adrian and Lucy Van Popering. Allan will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Arlene J. Van Popering, of 66 years; his four daughters: Brenda (Dan) Vander Ploeg, Mary (Jon) Last, Trish (Jeff) DeVries, and Stephanie (Steve) Montsma; his sister, Carole Meyering; his sister-in-law, Sue Lynema; his grandchildren: Rob (Kelly) Dykstra, Michelle (Dan) Timmerman, Matthew (Hannah) Last, Michael (Amanda) Last, Luke (Meagan) Last, Mary Elizabeth (Sam) Haase, Sarah (Jonathan) Shedd, Austin, Cole, Brody, and Wes Montsma; and his 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Douglas Allan; his brother, Wilbur; his sister-in-law, Norma; and his brother-in-law, Leslie Meyering.

Allan proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. After returning from the Army, he began his career at Kamminga and Roodvoets, Inc. as a construction laborer, eventually becoming a partner and CEO of the company. He was a strong believer and supporter of Christian Education and served on the board of a local Christian school, as a deacon at Godwin Heights CRC, and as an elder at his church, Princeton Christian Reformed Church. Allan loved his family and his Lord and enjoyed many family vacations at Big Star Lake, MI, and Gulf Shores, AL. He loved water skiing, fishing, puzzles, and watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He was a man of few words who was reliable, faithful, humble, and generous to his family, church, and friends. The family would like to give special thanks to Trinity Health Grand Rapids and Faith Hospice for all their wonderful support and care.

Funeral services will be held 11 am Monday, January 12, 2026 at Princeton Christian Reformed Church, 5330 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, with Rev. Steve Hull officiating. Live streaming of the service can be seen at https://youtube.com/live/Q9ppl7lWKh4  A private burial will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens on Tuesday. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday, January 11, from 4-7pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, and from 10:00-10:45am on Monday prior to the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faith Hospice or the South Christian High School Tuition Assistance Fund.