Henry J. De Vries

Henry Junior De Vries departed this life to meet his Lord and Savior on September 6, 2023, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Mr. De Vries was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on February 3, 1927, the son of Henry E. and Stella (Boekhout) De Vries and had been a life-long resident of that community. He was a member of Centerpoint Church, formerly known as Third Reformed Church, where he had been baptized as an infant. Henry was united in marriage on December 3, 1947, to Betty June Vander Roest. He served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps and had been employed at The Upjohn Company for 35 years, before his retirement in 1986.

Henry is survived by his wife of 75 years, Betty June (Vander Roest) De Vries. Also surviving are three children and their spouses: Gregory H (Susan) De Vries of Portage, Deborah J. (Ronald) Plaisier of Kalamazoo, and Denise J. (Robert) Wilbur of Ada, MI; eight grandchildren: Trisha (Nathan) Batts, Nathan G. De Vries, Kristina (Dan) Schrik, Katherine (Jevin) Weyenberg, Elisabeth Wilbur, Sarah (Trevor) Deters, Jessica Holbrook, Victoria Wilbur; his step-grandson, Luke Livingston; and thirteen great-grandchildren: Ella and Everett Weyenberg, Thomas, Henry, and Caroline Batts, Andrew, Anna, and Oliver Schrik, Willem, Bette, and George Deters, and Jack and Hendrik Holbrook. He is also survived by one sister, Helen Van Giessen and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, brothers: Edward and Fred De Vries, and sisters: Agnes Sportell, Grace Baas, and Marguerite Kuzee.

Friends may visit with the family from 10:00-11:00 AM on Monday, September 11, 2023, at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Location, 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Jason Olson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Tree of Life Schools. Please visit Henry's personalized web page to sign the online guest book or leave a message for the family at www.langelands.com