David DeVos

In remembering David DeVos, many things come to mind. A hard working man, David was a reliable and easy going sort of guy whose wit and pleasant nature made him a friend to many. A successful contractor in his own right, he was no stranger to the effort it took to get a job done, and to do it right. Always there with a helping hand, he gave of his time and talents to those he loved and cared about. Although his time with us was short compared to many, David will be long remembered and fondly missed.

David Jon DeVos was born during a time of radical change in America. The year 1968 saw political unrest across the nation as Peace Movement protestors marched against the Vietnam War. It was also the year that beloved Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated during the influx of the Civil Rights Movement. As the first manned space mission was launched, longer hemlines gave way to mini skirts, and the infamous smiley face and peace symbol was all the rage. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, changes were indeed taking place in the lives of Vern and Mary (Platschore) DeVos when on August 1, 1968 they welcomed David into their loving arms.

As the ninth of eventually twelve children with a 21 year age span in between, David’s parents’ were hard working farmers who made their living by the fruit of the land in Marne, Michigan. Although times could prove to be lean, they worked hard and played hard as a family where much laughter was shared. Life on the farm offered David and his siblings much adventure while growing up as well as cherished memories. From early on David enjoyed hunting and became a collector of interesting things like arrowheads, snake skins and other treasures he found. Throughout his life, David worked hard for what he had and valued taking care of the things with which he was blessed. He and his siblings especially enjoyed a race track in the middle of the orchard where they had loads of fun racing old beat up cars.

David, being one of the younger children often benefited from an older helpful sister who did all of the talking for young David. This resulted in David not talking as a youngster and this concerned his Mother who took him to the doctor. The doctor suggested that she not give him breakfast and see what David's reaction would be. Just as the doctor suspected, David could talk if he had to and his first words were "Where is my oatmeal?".

With twelve children, it was a rather bustling household at times. David’s father instilled in him at a young age the importance of working together for the benefit of family. With 20,000 apple trees, farming was truly a family affair in the DeVos family. They planted, picked, packed and sold their own apples. During harvest season, they worked side-by-side from sun up to sun down. David and his siblings worked all areas of the farm, but the orchards were often referred to as their home. Everyone in the family was expected to attend church, and even when they worked into the early morning hours, they were sure to at least take in the later Mass. A devout Catholic family, David began kindergarten at Coopersville Elementary and went on to graduate with the West Catholic High School Class of 1986. A pleasant young man, David was a smart kid, did well in school and made many friends.

Following high school David continued to help out on the family farm working long arduous hours six days week. His strong work ethic, credited to his late father Vern who died in 2009, remained a constant in David’s life and it served him well. In time David began a career in construction. He worked for Dykhouse Construction and for Westshore Services. He specialized in finish work, and some of his proudest accomplishments included the work he was involved with on the Van Andel and Gerald R. Ford Museums and repair work on the St. Mary’s Catholic Church steeple in downtown Grand Rapids. A near tragic accident found David laid up for a year when he fell three stories from a scaffolding.

Around 1995 David decided to go into business for himself as a general contractor and established DeVos Construction. He also purchased a home from his brother, Tim, and became reacquainted with an old friend, Kimberly. In time they began dating. Realizing they would love each other forever, they headed to Las Vegas, Nevada where they were married on March 4, 1999. David was not only a new husband but became a loving and attentive stepfather to Kim’s children. A good example, he was a positive influence in their lives. They made their home together in Allendale until a good opportunity opened up for David in Ludington. They eventually settled there in nearby Walhalla, Michigan. David was a wonderful provider, devoted to his family and Kim‘s best friend and husband. He was a fair man, especially with his children. He was strict with them in order to set their paths straight. He was often called “Saint David” by his in-laws, for raising 3 children that were not his own. David was in time blessed with grandchildren whom he adored. Some of the activities he cherished with them included, rides on the Mule, on the backhoe, playing doll house, and handing out Reese's.

Throughout the years David continued his love for hunting, especially deer. They were plentiful throughout the family farm where the deer often ravaged the apple trees. He could fix anything, and if someone needed a helping hand, David was always there. A perfectionist to a degree, David was sure to do it right the first time, and often went beyond the expectations of others. He loved a cold Bud light in his hand, and mostly liked country music and classic rock. Never too picky when it came to food, he absolutely loved pizza and taco nights. As a couple, David and Kimberly had shared many interests. They regularly bowled together, and shared a love for working on the lawn together.

With his quick wit and friendly demeanor, David was easy going in many ways. He was well liked and his reliable, hard work ethic was evident in all that he did. He loved his family and would do anything for a friend. He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

David Jon DeVos went home to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 41 on April 15, 2010. Besides his father, Dave was also preceded in death by his sister, Therese. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly; children, Jessica (Corliss) Gulembo, Robert (Rochelle Miszewski) LaFleur, and Rachelle LaFleur; his beloved grandchildren: Jaden, Grace, Isabella, and Cole; his mother, Mary; siblings: John (Lynn), Tim (Pat), Andy (Gale), Bonnie (Leon), Todd (Kathy), Steve (Mary), Nancy (Paul), Matt (Jenni), Ryan, and Chad; mother and father-in-law, June (Don) Hunter; brothers-in-law: Jeff Hunter and Mike (Kim) Hunter; sister-in-law, Cornetta (Jim) Camenga, and many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The Funeral Mass for David will be held on Monday, April 19, 2010 at St. Mary’s of Marne Catholic Church, 15164 Juniper Drive in Marne, Michigan. Friends may visit with his family from 3-6 PM on Sunday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his family. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Dave or to sign his online guest book before arriving at the funeral home.