Irvin Kroese

PLEASE NOTE: Change in location of the Memorial Service. Irvin Kroese passed away on June 15, 2015, after suffering many years with Alzheimer's disease. He is survived by his wife, Agnes, his sons, Stephen (Lisa), Robert, and Benjamin (Margaret); grandchildren, Willem, Madeline, Adam, Kelsey, Vivian, and Mira; and by his brothers, Gerald (Harriet), Albert, and Hilmore (Lavonne), and his sisters Johanna Ludema and Belle (Kenneth) Draayer. He was predeceased by his parents, Ivan and Alberta Kroese, two sisters-in-law, Hendrene and Eleanor, and his brother-in-law, Kenneth Ludema. Irvin grew up on an Iowa farm, served in the U.S. Army, and graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He went on to earn a Ph.D. degree in English literature from Ohio University and became a professor of English and, eventually, film studies, at Calvin College. He loved literature, music, and art, had an insatiable curiosity, and was in inveterate hobbyist. The family expresses its gratitude to the staffs of Caretree Adult Day Care, The Mary and Martha Center at Beacon Hill, and Hospice of Holland for their tender care during his long illness. A memorial service is planned for 11:00 a.m. on July 24 ,at the Calvin Seminary Chapel, 3233 Burton St. SE., with visitation an hour before the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mary and Martha Fund at Beacon Hill. To Share a memory, photo and sign the family's online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Irvin B. Kroese please visit our Sympathy Store.