Gary T. Broekhuizen

BROEKHUIZEN, Gary T.

of Portage

Went to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday evening, June 25, 2023. Gary was born November 23, 1942 in Rochester, NY the son of Thomas and Mabel (Heuseveldt) Broekhuizen.

Gary graduated from Calvin College in 1966. After serving a 2-year stint in the U.S. Navy, Gary and Dorothy were married on August 14, 1968. Gary then obtained his Master’s Degree in Social Studies education from Western Michigan University in 1969. He taught for 2 years in Bellevue, MI, before getting a job teaching 5th, and eventually 6th grade in the Kalamazoo Christian schools, where he taught and coached for 36 years before retiring in 2006.

Gary enjoyed spending time outside in God’s creation fishing, geocaching, vacationing at cottages on various lakes in Michigan, and traveling to many places including Alaska, Hawaii, Israel, and the Netherlands. Gary served numerous terms as an elder on church council, and always stepped up to serve the church wherever needed. As he grew older, his grandchildren became his pride and joy. He included them in many of his interests and spent countless hours traveling to Grand Rapids, Saline, and Kansas City, to watch them participate in sports and other activities.

Gary is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Dorothy (Witsmeer). Also surviving are his sons, Dan (Helen) Broekhuizen, Keith (Joanne) Broekhuizen, Eric (Kim) Broekhuizen; 7 grandchildren, Joshua, Renee, Micah, Nathan, Genevieve, Jake, and Aly; sister Marilyn (Clarence) DeYong, and brother Tom (Cherie) Broekhuizen; and several nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Richard Broekhuizen. Friends may meet the family from 4:00-6:00pm on Sunday, July 2 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 3926 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Monday, July 3 at Heritage Christian Reformed Church, 2857 South 11th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 with Pastor Simon Tuin officiating. A lunch will follow the service and private family interment will be at Portage South Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo Christian Schools or Heritage Christian Reformed Church. To view Gary’s personalized webpage please visit https://www.langelands.com