Henry "Berny" DeHaan

Henry “Berny” DeHaan was the embodiment of a good man, always cheerful and funny, a proud veteran and loyal friend; he worked hard, took care of his family, and loved his wife. In the heart of his family, Berny was the force that kept everyone smiling with his great sense of humor and jokester antics. He also had a serious side, however – a deep store of generosity and love, from which he drew upon unsparingly to help his family, friends, and anyone who was in need. The memories Berny leaves behind will be lasting treasures for generations to come.

The early 1920s were a collage of interesting events. There were power struggles in Russia, Babe Ruth was setting baseball records, and the first Miss America was crowned. But for most of the people living in the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, such happenings were nothing more than headlines in a newspaper. Their lives centered around raising their families and earning a living. This was the life of Barney John DeHaan and his wife, Lena (Olree). Barney worked as a printer at Knickerbocker Press, while Lena stayed home, preparing for the arrival of their first child in the fall of 1921. They welcomed the birth of their son, Henry Bernard DeHaan, on August 14, 1921. Because there were four other “Henry's” in the family, he was called Berny (or Bones).

Berny enjoyed a typical childhood, growing up in their family home on Humbolt SE in Grand Rapids with his five younger siblings: William, Adrian, Ilene, Richard and Jack. He attended Oakdale Christian Elementary School, and spent much of his summertime playing baseball, swimming in Reeds Lake and going to Grand Haven beach with friends. However, like many young men of the time, Berny left Grand Rapids Christian High School after the 11th grade to get a job with his dad at Knickerbocker Press to help support the family. Then, when World War II broke out overseas, Berny received his draft notice from the U.S. Army on September 21, 1942. He landed on the beaches of Normandy, France on the 2nd day, and continued on, serving in Germany and Central Europe until his honorable discharge as a Sergeant on December 7, 1945.

Once home, Berny continued his education at Davenport College, where he earned a degree in Accounting. He then took a job at Wurzburg's Department Store in downtown Grand Rapids, working in the Shoe Dept., which was the beginning of his longtime career in the shoe industry. Besides his job, Berny also met the love of his life at Wurzburg - her name was Helen Hagan and she worked in the Ladies Fashion Dept. It wasn’t long before the two were hopelessly in love, and on the beautiful summer day of June 2, 1951, Berny and Helen were happily married in Detroit. After saying “I do,” the newlyweds moved to Wheeling, West Virginia, where Berny took a job managing a shoe store. Eventually, they returned to the Grand Rapids area, putting down roots at 3226 Clyde Park Avenue in Wyoming, Michigan, and Berny went to work at Standard Oil Co. In April 1960, Berny and Helen delighted in adopting their daughter, Cynthia, who brought them such joy! Five years later, Berny would embark on another new venture when he bought Huttenga’s Shoe Store on West Leonard Street in Grand Rapids, which he owned and operated for over 20 years. The family later moved to Whittmore NW in 1970, where they reside to this day.

Although work had its place, Berny always took time to relax and spend time with his family. They spent many great summers at their family cottage on Wolf Lake, where they swam, fished and boated the day away. Another of Berny’s favorite places to spend time at was the Green Ridge Country Club, where he was a member. Being close with his siblings, Berny would often get together with them at The Silver Cloud on the weekends too. He was a great guy to hang out with because his great sense of humor kept everyone laughing and having a good time. He pretty much spoke his mind and opinionated, but a true friend to all he knew.

Outside of his family, Berny enjoyed many different hobbies. He bowled for a while, and was a huge fan of all sports, especially Michigan football. He looked forward to watching every World Series and Super Bowl, as well as NASCAR races. Berny was content being at home - and while Helen was out tending to her plants and flowers, he would be riding around on his Toro lawnmower, keeping it looking good. As the years marched on, Berny and Helen began to slow down, and most looked forward to the visits of their grandchildren, who they adored. Sadly, Helen developed dementia a few years ago, and eventually moved to Sanctuary of St. Mary, where Berny faithfully visited her as often as he could. Being alone after 61 years wasn’t easy for Berny, but he continued to care for himself, cooking and cleaning, running errands and grocery shopping. He enjoyed meeting up with his friends at Pop’s Restaurant on occasion too. Cindy was always there to help her dad too, as well as Berny’s granddaughters, Cheyenne and Nikki.

On Sunday, family friend, Dave Blakeslee, went to visit Berny and found him sleeping on the floor in his room. Concerned, he got Berny up and made him some breakfast, and then called Cindy. Berny was so weak they decided to take him to Butterworth Hospital, where they admitted him for tests. Sadly, Berny took a turn for the worse later in the night and unexpectedly passed away.

A loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, Berny will be dearly missed and remembered always.

Henry Bernard “Berny” DeHaan, age 92, of Grand Rapids, MI passed away on Monday, January 20, 2014, at Butterworth Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Helen DeHaan (Hagan); his daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Steve Croschere; his grandchildren, Cheyenne Fox and Nikki Croschere; his three great grandchildren, Keyonno and Nikkia Fox and Ashlynn Andree; his brother Jack DeHaan; sister, Ilene (Jack) Felix; sister-in-law, June DeHaan; special family friend, Dave Blakeslee; many nieces, nephews and friends.

The service to celebrate Berny’s life will be held on Friday, January 24, at 11:00 a.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, MI. Visitation at the funeral home on Thursday, January 23, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Contributions in his memory may be made to Friends of Grand Rapids Veterans Home. To sign his guest book and leave your own memory of him, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.