Ward Allen DeFouw

Ward Allen DeFouw, 71, of Hamilton, departed to the loving arms of his Heavenly Father over Fathers’ Day weekend. Ward grew up on his parent’s dairy farm in East Saugatuck. It instilled his love of hunting, fishing, hiking, and gardening. This farming background directed Ward to receive a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science at MSU. Soon after college, Ward was hired at Walters Gardens where he dedicated nearly 40 years. In his early thirties, his father set him up with the love of his life, Betty. They married a year later and went on to have 5 kids. He enjoyed traveling with his family across the USA to see the beauty of God’s nature: particularly waterfalls. He also made sure to attend the kids’ various extracurricular activities. In his retirement he enjoyed traveling to and playing with his kids and grandkids. Growing up, one of his jobs was to take care of the calves. After seeing the death of beloved farm animals and having the gospel shared to him by his devout parents, he found faith in Jesus Christ and was saved. Ward was a longtime member of Holland Gospel Chapel. He served in Awana, as a deacon, and an elder. His passion for Christ and love of others extended to his work family where his dedicated prayer life led him to start a prayer group that is still meeting. Even as Alzheimer wrecked his brain, his prayers were always loving and deep. A favorite verse was Philippians 4:6, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.” Ward’s unexpected passing was the result of a fall. Because of his love of life and others he became an organ donor. His ultimate wish is for others to have further opportunities to know and share the love of Christ. Ward is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Betty, and their children: Michelle and Daniel Kuitems, Anna and Joe Chupailo, Mark DeFouw, Gerald and Lauren (Lizzy) DeFouw, Catherine DeFouw and her fiancé Tj Groover. Their grandchildren: Wyatt, Sybil, Luke, Levi, Willa, Caleb, Bently. His siblings: Everett and Dawn deFouw, Debra and Gary Knap, Penny DeFouw, Jody and Cathleen DeFouw. His siblings-in-law: Richard Sagman, Faith and Mike Frost, Carol and Earl Albin, Ernie and Bonnie Sagman, Barbara Sagman, Louise and Karl Seck, Kathy and Jeff Skahan, Lynn and Dallas Rabideau: and many extended family members. He will be joining many loved ones in Glory including: his parents Gerald and Catherine DeFouw, Charlotte Barger, Les and Gloria DeFouw, Laurel deFouw, Raymond Sagman, and granddaughter Maybel DeFouw. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 21st, at the Holland Gospel Chapel (106 W. 26th Street, Holland, MI 49423). Visitation will be 6-8 PM Thursday, June 20th, at Yntema Funeral Home (251 S. State Street, Zeeland, MI 49464). Memorial contributions may be made to Ethnos360 (Gerald & Lauren DeFouw (#997469) serving as missionaries in the Philippines).

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Ward Allen DeFouw

June 15, 2024