Henry "Hank" W. Kroeze

Henry William Kroeze went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 14, 2024. He was born on May 23, 1927, to Karsien (Case) and Jantje (Jennie) Napp Kroeze. He was a life long area resident.

Hank was a graduate of the Kalamazoo Christian Schools. Hank served his country in the Korean War from 1950-1952. He retired from Doubleday Bros. & Co as City Sales Manager after 47 years. After retiring, he worked for Langeland Family Funeral Homes one day a week for 25 years.

Hank was a member of Centerpoint Church for over 90 years where he served as a Deacon, Elder, Men’s softball coach, Usher, Greeter, and as part of the Sr. Adult Ministries. Hank enjoyed golfing in the Hy Gernaat Tuesday Golf League for 50 years and with friends for coffee and golf on Thursday mornings. He also bowled on many bowling leagues through the years. He enjoyed time with his grandkids, going to their sporting events, school activities, and summers at Big Star Lake. He so loved visiting with his great-grandkids for birthdays, holidays, and special lunches.

On March 21, 1952, he married the love of his life, Nellie C. Boogerman. God blessed Hank and Nell with almost 70 years of marriage before she passed in 2021. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters, Henrietta (Henry) Sportel, Annetta (Bob) Sportel, and in-laws, Leona (Peter) Landt, Celia Ewing, and Isaac Boogerman.

He is survived by his two daughters, Sheri (Dick) Wolthuis, Jan (Dave) DeVries, all of Kalamazoo; six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, Stephen Wolhuis (Stephen, Jr., Jaxson), Randy (Sarah) DeVries (Lucas, Henry, Benjamin, and Kate), Michelle DeVries, Ryan (Meghan) DeVries (Charlotte, Jacob, and Michael), Kelli (Tyler) Young (Penelope, Eloise, and Cora), Melissa (Caleb) Knol; and several nieces and nephews. 

Hank spent the last three years, as a resident of Park Village Pines where he was loved and cared for by a very special staff and enjoyed many friendships. 

Friends may meet the family on Thursday, April 18, from 10:00am-11:00am at Centerpoint Church, 2345 North 10^th Street, where funeral services will follow at 11:00am. A light reception will follow the service at church and a private graveside will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.