John D. Van Dyk Laare

VAN DE LAARE, John D.
Battle Creek, Michigan
Formerly of Kalamazoo, Michigan John died Sunday morning, April 20, 2008, at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence in Battle Creek, MI. He was born December 25, 1960, in Kalamazoo, MI, a son of Darrell and Ann Louise Van De Laare. John was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman who was always ready for an adventure. He enjoyed being an amateur radio operator and used the call letters KG8PO. His greatest love in life was martial arts. As a young man, John studied at the Okinawa Karate Academy and received his First Degree Black Belt at the age of 19. John was one of the first members of the Battle Creek Kendo Club and became the owner of the Battle Creek Budokan. He continued his studies at the Japanese Cultural Center in Chicago under the late Toyota Sensei. John held a Fifth Degree Black Belt and trained many champions at the local, district, state, regional, national and international level. John was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Van De Laare. Surviving are: his parents, Darrel and Ann Louise Van De Laare of Kalamazoo; a brother, David Brenda Van De Laare of Kalamazoo; an niece and a nephew; several aunts, uncles and cousins; his closest friends, Susan Owen and Kevin Kellems; and many students, colleagues and friends. Cremation has taken place and private inurnment will be held at a later date. Family and friends will gather in Kalamazoo on Friday, April 25th from 5pm to 8pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. and in Battle Creek on Saturday, April 26th from 2pm to 5pm at Victory Life Church, 6892 "D" Drive North. John's family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence, 5470 Glenn Cross Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49015 or to the charity of one's choice. www.langelands.com 269-343-1508