Chris was born on June 18, 1977 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Mark and Phyllis DeHaan, who survive.
Chris graduated from Okemos High School in 1995 and received his BA degree in Technology Education from Bowling Green State University in 1998. He continued his education at Western Michigan University earning a Master’s in Educational Technology and at Western Theological Seminary earning a Master of Divinity degree.
Chris married the love of his life, Meghan DeVogelear in 2005. They have one son, James, who was Chris’ pride and joy. They enjoyed many laughs and made lots of great memories riding their golf carts at their cabin at Sandy Pines Resort.
Chris was gifted in all things technical and he had a heart for teaching, whether it was in the classroom or in his everyday life. If someone asked Chris a technology question, he always had the answer and was ready and eager to help. He taught Technology Education at East Lansing Middle and High Schools for 25 years. He guided countless students through tough curriculum.
He retired from East Lansing in November 2023 and was then employed by the Columbia Vehicle Group as Director of Technological Services until the time of his passing.
Chris was a respected educator and colleague, and had a passion for electric vehicles/golf cars.
His passion for electric vehicles began in college when he raced for the Bowling Green State
University electric vehicle racing team and culminated in his final career at Columbia Vehicle Group where he got to work with golf cars on a daily basis. He loved his job at Columbia and even got to spend time at the PGA Show, which was a highlight for Chris.
A favorite story about Chris and his love of technology is the time when he interfaced an old Commodore computer with a robot as a young boy. He won state 4-H honors for his project. He was also a skilled wood craftsman and built many fine pieces of furniture. Chris had a great sense of humor and a sharp wit. His love of life, family and friends will be missed tremendously.
In addition to his parents, Chris is survived by his wife of 19 years, Meghan Marie (DeVogelear) DeHaan, son James Robert William DeHaan, sister Jodi (DeHaan) Geerlings, brother-in-law Brian Geerlings, mother-in-law Jacqueline (Owen) DeVogelear, brother-in-law Robert DeVogelear and Maria (DiCapua) DeVogelear, beloved Uncles and Aunts, James and Barbara DeHaan, Mary and Gary Flint, Alan and Collene VanNoord, Carl VanNoord and Trish Kavaluskis and many other uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Chris was preceded in death by his grandparents William J. and Clarice DeHaan, Henry and Ada VanNoord and his father-in-law David DeVogelear.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17.
The family would like to thank Faith Hospice for their support during Chris’ last few months on earth, especially Katie Diemer, RN and Ann TerMeer, massage therapist.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Gathering which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 1-4 pm, at South Lansing Christian Church to share their memories and love for Chris with the family.
South Lansing Christian Church, 6300 N. Aurelius Rd., Holt, Michigan, 48911
Contributions in memory of Chris may be directed to Faith Hospice (8214 Pfeiffer Farms Drive, SW Byron Center, MI 49315) and Ele’s Place of Lansing (1145 W Oakland Ave, Lansing, MI 48915).
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