Darrell Rozeboom

Born on August 13, 1974, in Grand Rapids, Darrell Rozeboom was the son of Gerrit and Marie (VanderBoon) Rozeboom. The youngest of six children, Darrell looked up to his siblings and often followed them around. They were happy to spend time with him and spoil him. Darrell was a very big kid with a lot of energy. Born at over 11 pounds, he remained bigger than most of his peers.

Darrell grew up in the family home on Grand River Drive that had been built just prior to his birth. He attended Plymouth Christian School and loved to play sports, spending hours tossing a football and playing football with the family dog, Dusty. During winter, Darrell enjoyed playing hockey on the backyard pond. It was a great place for family gatherings and neighborhood kids to play.

After graduating from high school, Darrell was married for 10 years. During this time, Darrell was blessed to become a father. His four children, Rachael, Ryan, Justin, and Jason, were his heart’s delight. He relished playing sports, watching movies, and baking cookies with his kids in their home on Spaulding Ave.

Both big and strong, Darrell was well-suited to his responsibilities at the family company, Ada Valley. As he could lift over 500 pounds, he worked a variety of jobs, including in the freezer, warehouse, and processing and packaging.

In August 2022, Darrell’s life was drastically changed when he was in an accident that left him paralyzed. With signature strength and determination, Darrell courageously approached his recovery with a smile and a positive attitude; he worked hard to overcome the challenges he faced. As his life shrunk, his priorities and perspectives shifted. With his family's support ingenuity, he was able to become more independent and discovered what mattered most to him. When his grandchildren were around, he liked to play with them and take them for wheelchair rides.

Darrell learned to overcome the challenges in his life, and with each difficult phase, he emerged closer to his Lord and Savior. He was a lifelong member of Heritage Reformed Congregation. Through his difficulties, and with the teachings at church and visits by pastors, Darrell realized that he was a sinner saved only by the grace of God through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Though it took a lot of work for him to become mobile, he faithfully visited those who were sick or in the hospital and would quickly read the Bible and pray with people. He knew he didn’t deserve another chance at life and wanted to share the good news of Jesus. Darrell also visited his mother three times a week, just to hold her hand and talk. He would also accompany his dad as they sang to the residents of the memory unit. He enjoyed being in the church choir at Heritage Reformed Congregation, where he was elected choir president in the last couple of years. He also participated in Bible studies. When an elder was at his home visiting, he concluded by praying for Darrell, and after the prayer, Darrell would ask, “Now can I pray for you?”

Darrell, prayed often that the Lord would become present for those who didn’t know Him. Darrell served and feared an awesome God as a sinner, but he also served and praised an awesome God that was ready to forgive his sins.

Darrell passed away unexpectedly at his home. And though our days with him were far too few, he left us with a legacy of ready smiles and unwavering determination, a genuine hope because of his sincere faith, and a love for his Lord and Savior as well as for his family.

Darrell James Rozeboom, age 51, passed away May 29, 2026. He is survived by his children: Rachael & Chase Brown, Ryan & Cerria Rozeboom, Justin Rozeboom, and Jason Rozeboom; grandchildren: Aliegha, Levi, and Isaiah Brown; parents, Gerrit and Marie Rozeboom; brothers and sisters: Mary Inman, Walter & Trudy Rozeboom, Delores & Robert VanderPloeg, Dale & Kristi Rozeboom, and Gerrit S. & Sara Rozeboom; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Darrell’s funeral service will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 12 Noon at Heritage Reformed Congregation, 540 Crescent Street NE, with interment to follow in Findlay Cemetery, Ada. Friends are invited to visit with Darrell’s family at the church beginning at 10 AM. To read more about Darrell, to share a memory or photo, or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com