Howard DeJong

Howard Erwin DeJong, age 86, of Hudsonville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 4, 2020. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Dolores DeJong, Cindy Wiltjer; brother, Ted DeJong; sister-in-law, Dolores (Dick) Suwyn; and brother-in-law, Donald (Alice) Verduin. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 61 years, Norma DeJong; children, William & Carol DeJong, Randall & Joy DeJong, Ross & Sonja DeJong, and Laura & Michael Brinks; grandchildren, Melissa & Andy, Stephanie & Jordan, Alexis, Hailey & Joel, Tess, Ridge, Easton, Jessica, Jacob, Jordyn, Jae’l, Aliyah, Jade, and Jaxen; great-grandchildren, Adaline, and Eloise; siblings, Kathy Brouwer, Elaine Duimstra, Evelyn Musch, Gwen DeJong, Phyllis (Jon) Huisman, Warren (Susan) DeJong, Marvin (Sally) DeJong, Paul (Mary) Wiltjer; and many nieces and nephews. A private family funeral service will be held at Trinity Christian Reformed Church, with Rev. Stan Sturing officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday, July 8, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Trinity Christian Reformed Church, 60 Port Sheldon SW, Grandville. Masks are strongly encouraged. Howard loved teaching at Jenison Christian School for 35 years. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy on the USS Shangri-La. The burial will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jenison Christian School or Unity Christian High School.

Leave Your Tribute Message

July 12, 2020

Norma and family - I would like to express my Christian sympathy to all of you. The 21 years that I taught with Howard at Jenison Christian are remembered with great fondness. We shared teaching at the same grade level and Howard was always so God fearing and genuine. In the years after I never met Howard without his greeting me with a big smile. May God bless you with his peace.

- Click Groot

July 06, 2020

I haven't seen Howard in many years, but have fond memories of him as my cousin! You truly have my deep sympathy, Norma! He was a special man!

- JOYCE A ANTCZAK

July 06, 2020

My sympathies to Norma and the entire family. I had the privilege of being a student and a colleague of Howard. He always showed the love of Christ through his gentle character. Praying God will be a strong presence for all of you as you begin this new journey. But thanking God for the promise of eternal life.

- Mary Steketee

July 06, 2020

Praying for Norma and all of you who are loved ones of this dear man who was my 8th grade homeroom teacher at JCS. He was a wonderful teacher who demonstrated all the characteristics of Christ in his teaching and the way he lived and treated others. He made a huge impression on me and I thank God for his influence on my life.

- Nancy (Maring) Stalsonburg

July 05, 2020

Mr. DeJong was a great teacher at JCS. I am grateful for the time he invested in me. My prayers go out to Mrs. DeJong, (who was the cross guard that kept us safe every afternoon) Laurie, and the entire family. You have our sympathy.

- Mike Nitz

July 05, 2020

I taught with Howard at Jenison Christian for 12 years. Howard was a good teacher and showed his love for the Lord in many ways. My sympathy to Norma and the rest of the family.

- Andrew De Vries

July 05, 2020

Remembered your husband and dad with much appreciation as one of my teachers!

- Linda Krol Brinks