Walter L. Van Dam

VAN DAM, Walter L.,
Age 94, of Kalamazoo A faithful Christian believer and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he went to be with the Lord on June 4, 2011. He was born in Kalamazoo on July 7, 1916 to Walter and Johanna Van Dam. After graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School, he attended Western Michigan Teachers College now Western Michigan University, majoring in science and mathematics and also mechanical and architectural drawing. He met his future wife, Gertrude Koning, while attending Grace Christian Reformed Church. They were married on June 27, 1941. He worked for 42 years in the engineering department at Atlas Press Company now Clausing Corporation. During World War II he served in the US Army from 1942 until 1945, when he was honorably discharged. His hobbies were woodworking, designing homes, classical music, reading, and taking family vacations. He encouraged his daughter and two sons to pursue advanced education and, above all, to be active in the church. At Grace CRC, he served as a deacon and elder and also edited the bulletin for several years. Gertrude, his beloved wife of 69 years, died four months ago on February 16. Walter was predeceased by his parents, his twin sister, Joanne, and her husband Gerald Van Eyk, and brothers-in-law John Koning and J. Preston Voss. He is survived by three children: Judith and Rev. Henry DeVries of Kalamazoo, Dr. James and Hikari Van Dam of Austin, TX, and Dr. Raymond Van Dam of Grass Lake, MI; four grandchildren: Julie and Matthew Bos, Sarah and Jeffrey Vander Hart, Thomas and Lori DeVries, and Philip and Shannel DeVries; seven great-grandchildren: Nathaniel, Haleigh, and Anneka Bos, Luke, Adam, and Lwin Vander Hart, and Thane DeVries; three sisters-in-law Henrietta Voss, Hester Koning, and Harriet Koning; brother-in-law Alfred and Sally Koning, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 9, 2011, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday, June 10, 2011, at Grace Christian Reformed Church, with interment in Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Christian Reformed Church and/or Kalamazoo Christian Schools. "I know that my Redeemer lives... in my flesh I shall see God... how my heart yearns within me" Job 20:25-27. Please visit www.langelands.com for online guestbook, memories and condolences for the family.