Louis Paul Kraay (97) went to be with his Heavenly Father on May 16, 2025.
One project remains unfinished on Pastor Louis’ wood shop workbench. Perhaps he’s talking it over in heaven with the master carpenter, Jesus. Louis approached his retirement hobby, woodworking, the way he lived life: with tremendous love, care, generosity and attention to detail. The call to ministry came to Louis as a young man on the family farm in Danforth, Illinois. His parents Oliver and Angelene, with great joy, gave their blessing to their youngest son to pursue his calling. He started Hope College just a bit late in the semester but still graduated within four years in 1950. While at Hope he met his future wife, Margaret Schoonveld. After graduating from Hope, Louis began a 3-year mission trip to Japan to teach English and share God’s love. Upon returning, Louis and Margaret married in 1953. Nancy was born while Louis studied at Western Theological Seminary, graduating in 1956. Their ministry began at Trinity Reformed Church, Taylor, Michigan where Linda, Kevin and Karen completed the family. In 1961 Louis was called to a church plant in Marshall (Faith Reformed), Michigan. Their family years were marked with much love, laughter, keen wit and joy around the table. In 1966 Louis began serving at Beaverdam Reformed, Zeeland, Michigan where Louis pastored the church until 1987. He served as calling pastor to Fellowship Reformed (Hudsonville) and First Reformed Church (Grand Haven) and retired in 2005. Pastor Louis loved his congregations with grace, humility and a deep love for people and God’s word. He evidenced this same deep commitment and love as he faithfully cared for Margaret in her battle with ALS. They were married for 52 years until she passed. Louis was blessed to meet and marry Ruth Larkin, and they spent twenty beautiful years together.
Louis is survived by his wife Ruth, children Nancy (Gary) Driesenga, Linda (Lou) Zadow, Kevin (Patricia) Kraay and Karen Kalkman, 11 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren, stepchildren Tricia (Scott) Behmlander, Dave (Jacque) Larkin. Louis was also preceded in death by his wife Margaret and son in law Jack Kalkman.
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, pastor and friend of Jesus. He wants to see all of us again. He is already deeply missed. Gifts to remember and honor Louis may be given to the ALS Foundation, 1300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209. https://www.als.org/
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Fellowship Reformed Church, 6610 36th Ave. Hudsonville. Family burial to take place prior to the service in Beaverdam Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, also at Fellowship Ref. Church.
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