Robert J. DeVries

DEVRIES, ROBERT "Bob"
of Kalamazoo, Michigan

Robert Jay DeVries, age 75, went home to be with his Lord on September 11, 2020. Bob was born April 15, 1945 in Zeeland, MI, the son of James and Julia DeVries. Following high school, he attended University of Michigan when he was drafted into the U.S. Army on July 31, 1968. Bob served in the 101st Airborne Division, and when he was discharged on April 28, 1970, he had obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6).

Following his service in Vietnam, he attended Western Michigan University where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. In 1973, he opened Colonial Kitchen Pancake House, and operated it for 25 years. He owned and operated West Main Select Auto Sales for 10 years.

Bob was an avid University of Michigan Fan. He served on the Kalamazoo Christian Booster Club and was a member of Bethany Reformed Church where he made many friends. Bob enjoyed golfing, and meeting and greeting all his business customers throughout the years. The most important part of his life was his family. Bob was a strong, loving husband, father, and "Boss". He kept a journal while going through treatment for Lung Cancer. He noted: "Being with my kids and grandkids always make my day!" He would always tell them how much he loved them and how proud he was of them. His kids made sure that Bob knew how very proud they were to call him Dad. He also kept saying: "Thank God for Bonnie," who was by his side throughout his treatments.

Surviving are his wife of 38 years Bonnie (DeDoes) DeVries; his children: Pam (Ryan) Kruithof, Ron (Heather) DeVries, Brooke DeVries, Brittney DeVries; grandchildren: Maggie, Molly and Kara Kruithof, Adelyn and Jovie DeVries; his former wife Dorothy Rowley (mother of Pam and Ron); his brother Jim (Jill) DeVries; mother-in-law Mary DeDoes; in-laws: Jim Lamberts, Judy DeVries, Brenda Buiskool, Brian (Linda) DeDoes, Brad (Julie) DeDoes, Beth (Darrell) Wagaman; and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents James and Julia DeVries; father-in-law Robert DeDoes; sister Linda Lamberts; brother Larry DeVries.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00pm on Monday, September 14th at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 South 9th Street (a limit of 10 people in chapel at a time with masks and social distancing required). The family will also receive friends from 10:00-11:00am on Tuesday, September 15th at Bethany Reformed Church, 1833 S. Burdick Street. A service to celebrate Bob's life will begin at 11:00am Tuesday with Pastor David Zomer and Pastor Fritz Kruithof officiating. A private interment with full military honors will be held Fort Custer National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob's memory may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Please visit Bob's personalized web page to sign his online guest book and leave a condolence or message for his family at https://www.langelands.com