Don DeVries

VRIES (Rockford) Mr. Don DeVries, age 61, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2007. While attending high school, Don lived and worked on the family farm. He was a member of the FFA, graduating from Greenville High School in 1963. Although Mr. and Mrs. DeVries rode the same bus to school, Sharon did not know Don until accidentally meeting him at Hansen Music Store where he was taking guitar lessons. After falling in love, they were married on October 23, 1965 at the Old Oakfield Methodist Church. Don began working as a caterer at Belva William Catering which provided services at Federal Mogal. Then Don worked as a pipe coverer for Local #47 from 1965 until 1985. After that, he started hauling milk for his business, Don DeVries & Sons which he operated with sons, Cory and Doug. Don was a "work enthusiast." When he wasn't driving, he was farming. Occasionally he would take a few days off to go north. True to his love of farming, Don favored chocolate milk and ice cream. He was a member of Local #47 and the Farm Bureau Co-op. Don was a man of his word, and he taught his children about integrity. His handshake was a sealed deal. He loved playing his guitar with his son, Gil and brother-in-law, Skip Davis. On the evening before his death, Don requested that Gil and Skip play their guitar. Don will always be remembered as a modest man who put others first. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; children, Doug and Sarah DeVries of Rockford, Gil and Teresa DeVries of Greenville, and Cory and Missy DeVries of Rockford; grandchildren, Steffanie DeVries, Ricki Wheaton, Britney VanderKodde, Kodde DeVries, Erika DeVries, and Abbie DeVries; brothers and sisters, Sharon and Keith Kinney, Susan and Gary Blumberg, Terri and Randy Vining, Jay and Tammy DeVries, Jeff and Ginger DeVries, and Maryln and Jim Zaucha; Sharon's family, Mrs. Leone Davis who called Don "Sweetie", Skip and Cindy Davis; many nieces and nephews; the children that Don and Sharon raised, Dave and Debra Clifford, Scott Hagadus and fiancee, Summer, and Larry and Terri Burns; many special friends, including, Virgil and Bonnie Packard; and companion, Star, and his special grand dogs, Dutch and Sadie. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Clara (Ward) DeVries, and his father-in-law, Elton Davis. The Service for Don will be Monday at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Hansen officiating. Interment in White Swan Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Spectrum Health Hospice or the needs of the family. Friends may meet with Don's family from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com