Rev. Michael DeVries

Rev. Michael DeVries died on May 27, 2017 at the age of 81. He was welcomed into the gracious presence of God and is held secure in the palm of God's hands. He was born on June 27, 1935 to Gerrit and Dieuwke DeVries in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands. The DeVries family immigrated to Alberta, Canada in May, 1950. Michael completed high school in 1954 and enrolled at Calvin College. He prepared for ministry at Calvin Theological Seminary. He continued his studies at Westminster Theological Seminary for his Master's degree. He also did graduate work at the Free University of Amsterdam and received his "doctorandus" degree (Drs.). The pastoral ministry was the joy of his life. Starting in 1962, he served CRC churches in British Columbia, Ontario, California, and Michigan. In 2000 he became pastor emeritus of Pillar Church in Holland, MI. He continued to engage in pastoral work and preaching on a part-time basis in various nearby congregations. Michael was frequently sought after for his inspiring messages. He was passionate about proclaiming Jesus as the boundary–breaking, socially transforming Savior and Lord. Ecumenically minded, he was delighted when Pillar Church became a dual-affiliated congregation of the CRC and RCA. As early as 1973 he started promoting gender equality as well as full participation of women in all the church offices. "Christ is Lord of all," he frequently said. He participated in several CRC denominational committees and was chosen twice to be the president of Synod (1996 and 2000). He co-authored a book entitled Pillar Church in the Van Raalte Era, second edition (2015). He is preceded in death by his twin sister Tena Bos; his wife Marianne H. Veenstra DeVries; and his brother John DeVries. He is survived by: His loving wife Patricia Ann Klaasen DeVries, whom he married on September 8, 2007 Son James (Loray) DeVries Daughters Catherine (Mark) DeHaan Jennifer (Mike) LeFebre He will also be dearly missed by Brothers Joe Richard (Tina) Simon Thomas Sister Anne (Frank) Koopmans Sisters-in-Law Ena Miller Joan (Duane) Starkenburg Lida Medendorp Myra (Ray) Tiethof Beverly Kemme Step-Children Kerri (Al) Nykamp Kathy (Steve) Dykstra Konie (Keith) Walters Kimberly Klaasen Grandchildren Michael and Garrit DeVries Lauren, Jonathan, and Benjamin DeHaan Nathan and Nicole LeFebre Step-Grandchildren Bethany (Josh) Franken Erin (Brandon) Van Groningen Troy Nykamp Leah (Mike) Sudborough Luke (Shannon) Dykstra Anna (Nick) Rillema Rachel (Randy) Palmbos Julie Walters Great-Grandchildren Drew, Rhys, and Lane Franken Carter Van Groningen Colton Rillema many nieces and nephews. Michael was a long-time member of Pillar Church, 57 E 10th St., Holland, where the funeral service will be held at 7:00pm Tuesday, May 30 with Pastor Jon Brown officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visiting hours are 5:00-8:00pm Monday, May 29 at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E 16th St., Holland. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael DeVries Scholarship Fund at Calvin Theological Seminary.

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Rev. Michael DeVries

June 27, 1935 - May 27, 2017