Robert John De Nooyer has completed the race his God and Father had ordained for him. His earthly time was 97 years. He crossed the finish line on Saturday, August 7, 2021. His earthly race began in Kalamazoo on January 29, 1924. Highlights of Robert’s life include his enlistment in the U.S. Marines, serving our country from January 2, 1943 – December 7, 1945. He married Anita Ruth Peterman on September 8, 1948. He moved to Holland and started De Nooyer Chevrolet in 1953.
Robert served the Christian community as an elder at Bethany Christian Reformed Church and was a member of Bay Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs, FL. He was an organizer and first president of CHAMPS athletic boosters for Holland Christian High School, Robert served on the boards of Holland Christian High School, Gideons International, Holland Hospital, Salvation Army, and Back to God Hour.
He enjoyed serving in the community in several ways, through his involvement and leadership in Rotary Club, YMCA Board, HEDCOR (Holland Economic Development Corp), and Michigan Automobile Dealers Association.
He enjoyed golfing with family and friends. Robert always considered it a great privilege to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events. He lived in daily awareness of God’s providential leading and goodness throughout his life.
Robert was preceded in death by and his wife of 55 years, Anita, his parents, Jerry and Lena, twin brothers, Gerald and Lee.
Robert is survived by his wife of 16 years, Marianne Hageman; sister-in-law, Joyce De Nooyer, and brother, James De Nooyer.
He was a great and loving Dad to Robert and Colette De Nooyer, Anita and Robert Huizenga, a dear Grandpa to Nicole and Chris Taylor, Dominique and Julie De Nooyer, Rob and Amanda Huizenga, Annie and Craig Hoekzema. Robert was able to celebrate God’s covenant and blessings in the joy of his eight great-grandchildren.
His stepchildren and grandchildren who will also miss him include the families of Matt and Grace Soeter, Tom and Mary Keppeler, Caroline and Keith VonGlahn, and Ben and Yuli Soeter.
We will all miss his interest and the part he played in our lives, and the prayer warrior he was for all of us. We bless God for the privilege of running with him in our earthly race. We have no doubt that he is part of the “great cloud of witnesses” cheering us on in heaven! With great expectation and confidence, we look forward to our heavenly reunion.
A family graveside committal and celebration of life was held in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. If you would like to send a memorial in his honor you could send it to Hospice of Holland or Gideon’s International. The family is being served by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home. To leave condolence and more information, please visit www.langelandsterenberg.com.
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