John Gordon DeVries was born on October 24, 1933 to Albert and Wilma DeVries. He graduated from Princeton High School, was a radar specialist in the U.S. Army, and married Frances Koppendrayer in 1959. They lived in Rochester, MN until 1970 when they moved to Lowell, MI. John proudly worked at Calvin College, now Calvin University, for 29 years as a machinist in the Science Department where he enjoyed helping engineering students with their senior projects. John and Fran established and were active in Reformed Engaged Encounter for 17 years. John was also an active member of Calvary CRC of Lowell for over 50 years. He loved to fix things and remodeled everything. John also enjoyed camping and spending time with family. His grandchildren describe him as caring, patient, gentle, kind, and funny. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert DeVries, and his daughter-in-law, Sue DeVries. John is survived by his wife, Fran; children, Karen (Greg) Sparks, Bruce (Terri) DeVries, Brian (Diane) DeVries, Curt DeVries, Gwen (Sam) Scalici; brothers, Gerald (Eileen) DeVries, Marvin (Sharon) DeVries, Clarence DeVries, Lloyd (Phyllis) DeVries, Larry DeVries, Dale DeVries; sister, Jean Wark; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; many bothers & sisters-in-law, as well as, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Christian Reformed Church of Lowell, 1151 W Main St, Lowell, MI 49331.
7 Responses
Miss you Dad
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to the family.
Fran and family. We are so sorry for your loss. We continue to pray for all of you. May God continue to be with all of you as you grieve the loss of husband, father, and grandpa. Love from Paul and JuliE Smith.
So sorry for your loss, may God be with you during this time and give peace to the family.
Sorry to hear of John passing on. May you feel God’s loving arms around you May you find comfort in knowing he is with his Savior.
We are saddened to hear of John’s passing. It was a joy to work with him at Calvin. We enjoyed for many years his farm raised pork!
We pray for God’s love and comfort for Fran and the family during this difficult time.
In Christian Love, Lambert and Kay Van Poolen
You have our deepest sympathy in your loss. I worked with John at Calvin for many years and he set an excellent example as a hard worker, a good father and being involved in kingdom work. Your family will be in our prayers.
Chuck and Jeanne Holwerda