Don was born in Holland, MI on June 22, 1931, to Jacob and Anna (Van Putten) De Vries. Don graduated from Holland Christian Schools and was married on September 4, 1952, to his loving wife and best friend for 68 years, Marie J. Geenen while Don was serving in the US Army. He later completed a degree from Holland Business Institute. In 1960, he started training in pest control. His work took him from Holland to Lansing, Detroit, and back again to Holland over the years. He became the Corporate Sales Manager for Rose Pest Solutions. He participated in the Hope Academy of Senior Professional (HASP) and the Holland Rotary Club. Don and Marie spent 10 years volunteering for the American Red Cross. Two of their experiences included Puerto Rico after Hurricane Geoge in 1998 and New York City after “911” in 2001. He was an active member of Christ Memorial Church, especially enjoying the years he and Marie spent in the choir. Don will be fondly remembered for his love for family gatherings, sports, card games, bowling, and traveling. He had an adventurous spirit, a sense of humor, and friendly nature with a twinkle in his eyes and a photogenic smile.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; brother, Jack De Vries; in-laws, Esther De Vries, Cornelia Dokter, Don Dokter, Sophia Hamberg, Betty Beyer, Pete Beyer, Adrian Geenen, Gloria Geenen, Jean Geenen, and Dick Geenen.
He was deeply loved by his children, Jan and John Ubels of Jenison, Phil and Gayle (Triemstra) De Vries of Holland, Mark and Jewel (Purdy) De Vries of Ellicott City, MD; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; in-laws, John and Louise Geenen, Jim Hamberg, Ann Geenen; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are planned for 11:00 am Friday, April 1, 2022, at Christ Memorial Church (please use entrances C and D). Rev. Steven Vander Molen will officiate. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for 6:00-8:00 pm Thursday, March 31, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E 16th St., Holland. Memorial gifts may be given to Hospice of Holland and World Renew. Condolences may be left online at www.langelandsterenberg.com
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