Larry Allen Kruithof left his earthly home, surrounded by his family and entered his eternal home on November 7. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in September, that took his life far too soon.
He was born in Zeeland, MI on Nov 2,1949 to John and Gertrude (Meyer) Kruithof. He grew up on the family’s farm and graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1968. He was a lifetime member of Oakland Christian Reformed Church where he served as Sunday school teacher, deacon and elder.
He also served in the Air National Guard.
He married his high school sweetheart Rose (Compagner) Kruithof on March 30,1972, and together they built a life they loved over 54 years! They bought his parent’s farm and raised their family there. God blessed them with four children; each married along with 11 grandchildren (now 16 with some married) and two great grandchildren. They raised their children to love and serve the Lord.
Larry loved doing life with Rose right by his side. Together they enjoyed yearly anniversary getaways, fall color trips and spending winters in Florida.
Life at the family cabin was one of his top enjoyments. He and Rose took weekly trips throughout the summer enjoying the peaceful setting, watching birds and preparing for hunting season. The cabin created some of his most cherished memories like hunting for deer and turkey, sitting in blinds with his grandchildren, and enjoying breakfast and dinner around the table after each hunt.
Another of his favorite hobbies was fishing. Whether on the ice, in his fishing boat with family and friends or on the docks in Florida, he had a gift for catching fish…he loved a good fish fry.
He always enjoyed playing and watching sports. He coached each of his sons in little league and as time passed, he found even greater joy in cheering on his children and grandchildren in their many sports and extra-curricular activities!
Larry valued hard work and ensured his family’s needs were met by farming part-time for many years and working at Mead Johnson where he retired after 43 years of service.
Larry had a gift of becoming a friend to anyone he met. He used that gift over his life to show many people God’s love. If you knew Larry, you knew he cared.
Larry is survived by his wife, Rose. Children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Jeff & Lisa Kruithof (Katelyn & Chris Scholten, Emily & John (Graham) Washburn, Lindsey & Josh Rozendal), Kari & Eric Slenk (Clay & Mariah Slenk, Trent & Elise (Cooper) Slenk), Ryan & Allison Kruithof (Kirstyn, Erika, Chelsea) and Ross & Kelli Kruithof (Annika, Gavin & Lydia). Brothers and Sisters: Leon & Betty Kruithof, Hilda & (Alvern) Compagner, Marlene & Ron Bouwkamp, Ron & Betty Compagner, Cal & Doreen Compagner, Joan & Bill Anderson and Linda Compagner. He was proceeded in death by his parents John & Gertrude Kruithof and in-laws Almer and Marian Compagner and brother-in-law, Alvern Compagner.
To view the livestream of the service, please visit https://www.youtube.com/@oaklandcrc468/streams
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2026 at Oakland Christian Reformed Church, 4460 38th St. Hamilton. Burial will be in Bentheim Cemetery. Visitation will be 3:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 12, at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State St. Zeeland. Memorial contributions may be given to People Helping People of Pullman. www.phppullman.org.
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