Harm J. DeVries

DeVRIES, Harm J.
Of Kalamazoo, Michigan Harm passed away Tuesday afternoon, April 29, 2008 at Woodside Assisted Living Center at Friendship Village. He was born October 17, 1914 in Kalamazoo, one of nine children to John and Katie Schreuder DeVries. In 1940, Harm was married to Winifred Buckhout, who preceded him in death in 1981. He was the owner and operator of J.B. Printing in Kalamazoo 36 years until his retirement in 1980. He was an active long time member of Third Reformed Church, where he was an elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher, and past president of Men's Brotherhood. Harm was also the past president of the Kalamazoo Exchange Club. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and he was also a talented woodworker. On February 18, 1982, he was married to Leora Shroyer Schipper, who survives. Also surviving are 3 children, Robert Debbe DeVries of Nickelsville, VA, Donna Robert Hartman of Kalamazoo, Charles DeVries of Kalamazoo; 1 step-daughter, Linda Jack Heystek of Kalamazoo; 8 grandchildren, Whitney Scott, Todd Sarah Hartman, Pam Steve Roberts, Shannon DeVries, Danielle Kevin Floyd, Laurie George Stamas, Julie Phil Collison, and Matt Heystek; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Grace Orbeck of Kalamazoo; 2 brothers, Roland Carrie DeVries of Kalamazoo, and Ray Chris DeVries of Kalamazoo; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents; his first wife, Winifred DeVries; and 5 brothers, Bill, Joe, Henry, John, and Ed DeVries. Memorial services for Harm will be at 11:00 AM on Friday tomorrow at Third Reformed Church Chapel, 2345 N. 10th Street, with Rev. Ronald Beyer and Rev. William Crawford officiating. Private interment will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Friends may visit with the family from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Thursday today at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Third Reformed Church - Deacon's Fund. www.langelands.com