Martin DeVries Jr., age 87, went peacefully to the Kingdom of Heaven to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 9, 2026.
Martin was born on May 27, 1938, the sixth of seven sons born to Martin and Catherine (VanderLeek) DeVries. He graduated from Hope College and went on to the University of Toledo, where he earned his master’s degree in Physics.
On June 26, 1959, Martin married the love of his life, Carol L. DeVries (Stryker), and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service in Holland MI.
For most of his adult life, Martin worked for Donnelly Mirrors/Magna Donnelly in research and development until his retirement.
The most important part of Martins life was his faith in Jesus, his family and friends. He attended Fellowship Church when it started at Waukazoo School. He served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, elder, and President for several terms. He gave his free time to programs like “march to hope” and “Kids Hope” for many years. In his free time, Martin enjoyed puttering in the barn, fishing, and most of all spending time with his grandchildren. He taught them how to mow the lawn, drive a tractor, and cut down trees. He took them fishing, camping, attended their ball games, and loved teaching them about science, sharing both his curiosity and his joy for learning.
Martin is survived by his daughters: Christine (Dave) Veeder, Michelle (Paul) Andary; grandchildren: Tyler Dykstra, Eric (Carmen) Dykstra, Scott Veeder, Theresa, Jennifer, Joshua, and Thomas Andary; great-grandchildren Averee and Lincoln Dykstra and brothers Peter DeVries and David and (Carol) DeVries.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Catherine (VanderLeek) DeVries; his wife Carol (Stryker) DeVries: his brothers, Walt and (Lois) DeVries, John and (Peggy) DeVries, Ed and (Shirley) Devries, Calvin and (Barb) DeVries, and son-in-law, Bob Dykstra.
A celebration of Martin’s life will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Fellowship Church, 2165 W. Lakewood Blvd., Holland, MI 49424. Visitation with the family is prior to the service starting at 10:00 AM and a light lunch will be served after the service. Burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery following the luncheon. Memorial contributions may be given to Kids Hope USA or Fellowship Church.
The DeVries family is being served by the Langeland-Sternberg Funeral Home, 315 East 16th Street, Holland, MI 49423.
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