Larry Jay Petroelje, 82, of Holland, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Larry was born in Zeeland, Michigan, to Peter and Geraldine Petroelje. He graduated from Zeeland High School and continued his education at Michigan State University and Davenport College. Larry honorably served in the United States Army and is a Vietnam veteran. While on leave from the Army, he met his loving wife, Betty Kapenga. They were married on June 19, 1970, and were married for 56 years. Larry grew up on a dairy farm and continued his love of farming with his own hog farm. For 50 years, he worked at Lamb Industrial Supply. He was a faithful member of Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church.
He possessed a deep appreciation for the outdoors, dedicating his time to woodworking, farming, gardening, hunting, and traveling. He cherished time with his family at their Bear Lake cottage, enjoyed attending the many sporting events of his children and grandchildren, and loved lively family gatherings.
In addition to his wife, Betty, he is survived by his beloved daughters Michelle and Doug Holstege (Rachel and Aaron Van Donselaar, Kristen and Peter Laning, Jocelyn and Levi Smits, Darrin, Trent), Laura Petroelje, Jill and Jason Holstege (Lydia, Cora, Hannah, Jared, Justin, Joshua, Kayla, Josiah), and Deb and Chris Lamer (Breanna, Allison, Aubrey), 8 great-grandchildren, siblings: Sandy and Ron Kleinheksel, Dave and Marge Petroelje, Paul and Sherry Petroelje, Linda and Kendall VanderKamp, Jack and Beth Petroelje; Betty’s siblings: Karen Wolters, Patsy Bull, Mary and Mark Scheerhorn, Tom and Diane Kapenga, and many extended family members.
A celebration to honor the faith and life of Larry will be held at 12 pm, Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church, 4055 112th Avenue, Holland.
Visitation will be on Friday, August 7 from 5-8 pm at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland. Interment will be in Zeeland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gateway Mission
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”.
Psalm 23:6
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