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.