John Paul DeBlaay

John P. De Blaay, age 84, of Grand Rapids went to be with his Lord & Savior on Sunday, October 9, 2022. John was born in Grand Rapids on Jan. 22, 1938, the son of John and Adeline (Lehmoine) De Blaay. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Delores De Blaay; brother, Douglas De Blaay; sister-in-law, Johanna Hummel; daughter-in-law, Cathy L. DeBlaay; son–in-law, Thomas K. Clark. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 61 years, Susan and their children, Daniel (Ronda) De Blaay, Andrea S. Clark, John D. (Sherry) DeBlaay; grandchildren, Daniel J. De Blaay, Gunnery Sgt. Joseph (Caitlyn) De Blaay, Jessica (Carl) Atwell, Pastor Thomas (Dana) Clark, Aaron (Allyssa) Clark, John W.M. DeBlaay; 8 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Sharlene De Blaay; brother-in-law, Philip L. Hummel; many loving nieces and nephews. John served with the Grand Rapids Fire Department for 35 years, the last ten years as a Battalion Chief. He loved the Lord and his family. John enjoyed trout fishing and deer hunting in the backwoods of the U.P. As a family, they enjoyed spending time at the cottage in the U.P. and all the good memories of times with family and friends. One of John’s favorite things to do in the U.P. was to pick wild blueberries on a hot summer day. Above all, John’s love of his Lord and commitment to his family was evident to all who knew him. The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home on Friday from 11-12 at MKD Stegenga Funeral Home, 1601 Post Dr. NE, Belmont. Funeral services will be at 12 noon on Friday, October 14, 2022, with his grandson Pastor Tom Clark officiating with a luncheon immediately following the service at the funeral home. The burial will take place at Blythefield Memory Gardens. The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Spectrum Health Hospice and especially to Michaela and Tracey for the love and compassionate care given to John. Also, a heartfelt thanks goes to John’s special caregiver and friend, Barb. Those who wish may make memorial contributions in memory of John to Mel Trotter Ministries. Please share a memory and sign the family’s guest book at www.mkdfuneralhome.com