Obituary

Remembering John DeVries

John DeVries, age 78 of Grandville, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday, January 12, 2017.  John was born in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, immigrated to Calgary, Alberta and came to West Michigan as a Calvin College student where he met his wife and decided to settle here. He was an educator and an entrepreneur, and he lived out his faith with love and consistency to the very end. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Shirley; their children, Sheila (Jim) Wierenga, Diana (Norm) Buffum, Tim (Margie) DeVries; 17 grandchildren; brothers, Joe DeVries, Richard (Tina) DeVries, Rev. Michael (Pat) DeVries, Simon DeVries, Thomas DeVries; and sister, Anne (Frank) Koopmans. He was preceded in death by his sister, Tena Bos. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 16 at 11 am at Grand Rapids First in the Prayer Chapel, 2100 - 44th St., SW, Wyoming.  The family will receive relatives and friends Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr., SW.  Memorial contributions may be made to Tri-Unity Christian Schools.

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Our Sincere Condolences on the passing of Mr. DeVries. My oldest son had him in 4th grade at Zinser Elementary in Kenowa Hills School District. Mr. DeVries was a very nice man and a good teacher. May the peace and love of God be with you and your family during these difficult times.

— Patty Hanson

Shirley, Sheila, Diana, Tim and families. So sorry to hear about your loss. Wish you Gods Blessing on your future without him here on earth. With sincere sympathy, Bob and Dort Glass

— Bob and Dort Glass

We are sorry to hear of John's passing and are praying for your family. May the Lord surround you with strength and peace as your family adjusts to life on earth without this wonderful man.

— Jerry and Sally Yugovich

Our prayers and love are extended to you Shirley and your family as you walk through this time of loss. May the compassion and love of God be extended to you as you look to Him for His grace to carry you. Love and continual prayers.

— Kurt and Patti Schonfeld

We are sending our love and prayers - Uncle John was always a ray of sunshine and smiles, and his vibrant faith was evident in all he did and who he was - so sorry to hear of his passing - may the peace of the Lord be with you and bring you strength! love from Dwight and Lisa Forseth (DeVries) and family from Okotoks, Alberta, Canada

— Lisa Forseth (DeVries)

Our deepest condolences to Aunt Shirley and Family. So sad and sorry to hear about the passing of Uncle John. With Warmest Thoughts, Leona (de Vries) Klymchuk - Brother Simon's Daughter

— Leona (de Vries) Klymchuk

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