Jack De Waard, age 83, died on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Addington Place, Lakeside Vista in Holland, MI.
Jack was born in Holland, MI in 1942 to Louis and Alma De Waard.
In 1959, the family moved to Redlands, California. It was there that Jack graduated high school.
He served in the US Air Force in Texas where he worked as the base radio announcer. This launched his career into radio. Once he returned to Holland, he worked as a radio announcer for WHTC and WFUR. This love of radio, music, and working with audio equipment was something he enjoyed the rest of his life. In later years, he worked at Donnelly Mirrors, Herman Miller, and Vanderbilt Academy in building maintenance.
Jack was a kind and gentle soul. He enjoyed meeting his friends for breakfast at McDonald’s and he was well known by the staff there. He was an avid reader, especially in history and psychology. He also enjoyed sports cars and owned a couple of Corvettes over the years. When he decided to buy a newer model, he gave his 1987 Corvette to his brother, Jim, much to the delight of Jim’s teenage sons.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, as well as sisters, Elaine Van Dam, Loie and Ben Van Dis; nephew, Dougie Van Dis; and niece, Jeannie Van Dis.
He is survived by his brother, Jim (Gloria) De Waard, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland, MI 49423.
Burial to take place in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff of Lakeshore Senior Care, Addington Place, and Gentiva Hospice for the exceptional care they provided for Jack in his final months.
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