Duane Overbeek

Betty, I just received word on Duane's passing. I was so saddened to hear of this sudden and unexpected news! Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. I am sorry to not have gotten word of this in time to pay my respects in person, as I would surely have done so. So many memories have come flooding back as I have thought about the long history Duane and I shared over the years. Duane gave me my start in the profession I still work in, well over 40 years later. Back when I was a cocky, long-haired kid with no formal education or training, he took a big risk and gave me a shot. I'm sure I disappointed him often early on and gave him ample opportunity to question his choice, but he stuck with me anyway. He was a true mentor to me, and after he moved into sales in the Alofs organization, and even later on when he hung out his "shingle" to start his own sales rep organization, he stayed in contact with me, countering my high-strung personality with a calming, steady influence that helped me navigate some very challenging waters in those early days. I give Duane full credit for providing the foundation upon which I was over time able to build a successful career. Those things alone would have marked a notable influence in anyone's life, but he was much more than just a mentor in a professional/career sense. He became a very good friend. I remember well the rounds of golf we played, as well as the time spent on the racquetball court, and even a game or three of softball. In fact, he was the one who got me involved in golf and racquetball, and actually taught me how to play both of them! Talk about exhibiting the patience of Job! I remember the summers he offered the use of your trailer on Big Star Lake to me and my family, at no cost. Many memories were made during those vacations, and you and he made them possible! I recount all these things to you because I want you to know that Duane had a huge, immensely positive influence in my life, and by extension, the lives of my entire family. And I firmly believe that I am far from the only person who can say that. There are countless individuals who live much longer life spans, who cannot claim ownership to leaving a legacy anywhere close to that which Duane left to me, my family, and I've no doubt, many, many others. I regret losing touch over these past years, but life is like that sometimes. In spite of that, Duane has and always will hold a very special place in my heart, and his untimely passing has left a hole. I look forward to being able to meet up with him again one day in our Eternal home. (Maybe I'll finally be able to beat him in a round of golf or game of racquetball!) Betty, Lynda and I will hold you and your family in our prayers in the coming days as you mourn your loss. We will ask that God be a strong presence in your heart and fill you with peace and comfort in the days, weeks, and months to come. Jim and Lynda DeGraaf

- Jim & Lynda DeGraaf

Our condolences to Betty and family. Duane was my salesman when he started Overbeek Sales and kept an office in my building. He sold me his boat and then his travel trailer. We camped at the same campground at Big Star Lake for several years. He was always a kind person and a good friend. He will be missed.

- Dave Maring

Duane always felt more like family to me than a coworker. I'll always remember the first time I met Duane while working as an intern at Agape and putting together the pieces that my Grandfather was Duane's childhood pastor. I'll miss our countless trips together over to Saginaw, I'll miss our conversations about our high school glory days, I'll miss your weekly visits to Agape, I'll miss your emails immediately followed up by a phone call, I'll miss talking about our shared love of Mullett Lake, I'll miss running into you at Hudsonville sporting events. Thank you for teaching me how to do things the right way and to always follow through with what was promised. You were one of a kind and will be greatly missed. Continued prayers for all.

- Jon Van Pernis

I have been with Agape Plastics 17 years now and Duane was working with Agape when I started. He was always a pleasure to work with, helpful, funny, direct, and dedicated to helping us be successful. Hard to imagine him not coming around anymore, he will be missed greatly by his friends at Agape. My sincere condolences to Scott and the rest of the Overbeek family.

- Mike Gray

With sincere condolences to your family. Duane was always a pleasure to work with and we will miss him. Payers to the family during this difficult time. May happy memories sustain you in the days ahead.

- Mary Lynne & Robert Maier

Scott - I am sincerely sorry for your loss. You have some big shoes to fill now! Your father always brought a smile to my face and his persistence was like no other! His loss will be felt at Nexteer. Praying for your peace & healing.

- Carrie Jankowski

I retired from Nexteer several years ago, but Duane and I kept in touch since. I dealt with many suppliers over the years and developed a lot of good relationships, but Duane is one of the few that I would truly call a friend. He was honest, friendly, had a great sense of humor, and truly cared about others. He will be missed by many.

- Jim Yanacek

With deepest condolences from The Nexteer Supplier Quality Team. Duane was the epitome of a true gentleman. His word and his handshake meant something. Duane touched many of our lives over the years and this is a sad time. We have been blessed to have the privilege of knowing Duane.

- Emily Fitzko

My sincere sympathy to you. My father, Fernley thought so much of Duane. Many stories were shared over the years. My prayers continue for all.

- Janet Alofs Plasman