David Altena, 85, passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.
Dave was a man who loved God, his family, his church, and others abundantly. He lived to serve God and others.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was born on July 27, 1938, and lived in Holland all his life. He attended Holland Christian Schools and Calvin University. He spent his entire working career at Repcolite Paints, serving as leader of the company for over 30 years. His faith, compassion, generosity and his ever-present desire for fairness and honesty were the foundation for the company. Although the “Big Guy” is no longer with us, his legacy and spirit will live on.
Outside of the business, his love for the local church gave him the opportunity to serve in leadership roles for most of his adult life. He developed relationships with Ugandan Christians which continued for many years. He was able to raise funds for many projects in Uganda and appreciated his Ugandan friends’ love for God despite the hardships they faced.
One of his favorite pastimes was restoring a 1975 British convertible. Dave loved being with his family and friends, and family vacations in Florida.
Dave’s faith, generosity, and love for others leaves a lasting legacy, and he will be deeply missed.
David is survived by his wife of 63 years, Grace, their children: Sue (Curt) Prins, Dan (Vickie) Altena, Sandy (Steve) De Groot; grandchildren: Scott (Stephanie) De Groot, Sam (Denee’) De Groot, Sarah (Jesse) Fetzek, Dan (Danielle) Prins, Alex (Melissa) Prins, Lilliea (Nick) Vander Wilp, Emmett Altena, Violet Altena: nine great-grandchildren, sister Kathleen Mills, sister-in-law Diana Van Zeelt.
The service for David Altena will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Providence Christian Reformed Church, 821 Ottawa Avenue, Holland, MI 49423. Visitation will be 4-7 pm, Friday, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th Street, Holland MI 49423. Private interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mission Fund of Providence CRC.
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