Jacob “Jaap” Renger de Blecourt
November 26, 1930 – September 12, 2026
Jaap de Blecourt, a distinguished horticulturist and longtime Holland, Michigan, resident, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, at the age of 95. He was born on November 26, 1930, in Garnwaard, Netherlands.
Jaap devoted his life to horticulture, a profession that reflected his deep appreciation for nature, beauty, and craftsmanship. His education and training took him across Europe, earning degrees in horticulture and floriculture in the Netherlands, France, and England, followed by an internship in Switzerland. His international education and experience would become the foundation of a remarkable career.
After coming to the United States in 1957, Jaap served as Head Gardener at the historic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, where he helped establish and care for the hotel’s renowned gardens, grounds, and golf course. He later became the original manager of Windmill Island Gardens in Holland, Michigan, 30+ years contributing his knowledge and expertise to the development of one of the city’s most treasured attractions.
Jaap made Holland his home and remained closely connected to the work he loved throughout his life. Even into his later years, he could often be found outdoors gardening or caring for his lawn. Tending plants and maintaining a beautiful landscape were not simply hobbies for Jaap—they were a lifelong expression of who he was.
He also treasured the simple pleasures of life. Jaap looked forward to spending time with his family and friends, enjoying meals at local restaurants, and sharing good company. In the evenings, he could most often be found with a book in hand. He was an avid reader and, famously, had little use for television.
Jaap was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Charlotte Kay de Blecourt, who passed away on December 14, 2000. Jaap and Charlotte were married for 40 years. After her passing, he traveled the world, including taking each of his three children on a dream vacation, and making new friends wherever he went.
He is survived by his children, Lillian de Blecourt; Jahn (Kim) de Blecourt; and Ann (Ken) Waker; and his grandchildren, Jacey de Blecourt, Emma Waker, Alex Waker, and Jacob de Blecourt.
Jaap will be remembered for his extraordinary knowledge and dedication to horticulture, his love of the outdoors, his appreciation for a good book and good food, and, most importantly, his devotion to his family and friends.
Jaap’s hands spent a lifetime cultivating beauty. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to grow in the people and places he touched.
An evening visitation will be held on September 25, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Dykstra Funeral Home–Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street, Holland, Michigan.
A funeral service, officiated by Sam Butler, will take place on September 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Dykstra Funeral Home–Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street, Holland, Michigan.
The family will receive visitors at the Funeral Home beginning at 11:00 a.m.
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