Lester L. 'Les' DeVries

De VRIES, Lester L. "Les"
Of Kalamazoo Died February 11, 2013 at the age of 82. He was born December 4, 1930 in Munster, IN to the late John and Catherine Hoogeveen De Vries.

 

He was united in marriage to Gladys Van Beek on June 7, 1952, who survives. Les was a longtime member of Westwood Christian Reformed Church and proudly served as principal of North Christian School for twenty-six years. He was fiercely protective of his staff and students and the importance of the Christian School influence in the community.

 

He loved playing paddleball, fishing, gardening and spending time with family.

 

Les leaves behind his children, Dan Barb De Vries of Churubusco, IN, Don Karen De Vries of Kalamazoo, David Jan De Vries of Kalamazoo, Barb Ron Sportel of Kalamazoo and Peg Keith Burns of Milwaukee, WI; 15 grandchildren, Sara Mike Pylar, John Sheresa De Vries, K. C.Jason Van Kampen, Chelsea Eric Rottman, Megan Scott Styf and Audra De Vries, Randy Sarah, Michelle, Ryan and Melissa De Vries, Molly Jeremy Triemstra, Eric Sarah and Kelly Jacobsma, Michelle and Michael Burns; 8 great grandchildren; sister, Betty Wigboldy; and several nieces and nephews.

 

Lester is also preceded in death by sisters, Margaret Kennard and Ann De Vries; and brother, Clayton De Vries.

 

Family will greet friends on Thursday from 5-7pm at Westwood Christian Reformed Church, where a memorial service will take place on Friday at 11:00am.

 

Arrangements by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo Christian Schools Association.