Larry DeKraker, age 88, of Holland, met his Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of October 17, 2026.
Larry lived a life filled with love for his Lord Jesus, his family, his friends, and fishing! He was a lifelong member of Beechwood Church in Holland, Michigan, where, on many weekends, you could find him volunteering his time.
Larry retired from Steelcase Corporation after a long career as a product engineer and inventor. Throughout his career, he contributed to more than twenty patents for seating and chair mechanisms.
Larry was happiest outdoors, preferably on a body of water and surrounded by family and friends. He created many wonderful memories by driving his family to Florida each spring to tent camp on Sunshine Key. The many seashells and sea bean souvenirs collected over the years bring to mind those long-ago days of shell hunting, walking the bridge and beaches, lobster hunting, and, his favorite pastime, fishing. Larry was an accomplished fisherman, and the many photographs and trophies he left behind serve as reminders of his lifelong love for the sport.
Most importantly, Larry made sure his family went to church and, in his quiet way, taught them how to live a life of faith. And now, he has heard his Savior say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Larry was preceded in death by his daughters, Deborah and Pamela, his brother, Rodney DeKraker, and his parents, Louis and Ruth DeKraker.
He is survived by his wife, Judith; children, Tim and Shellie VanMalsen of Holland and Brian and Jayne DeKraker of Allegan; his grandchildren, Kyle and Amanda VanMalsen, Phillip and Kendra Deimer, Jennifer Kleis, Adam and Liz Kleis, Alex and Christy Kleis, Zachary DeKraker, Sierra and Jake Esposito, Mariah Bawden, and Raquel Bawden; and twelve great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his brothers, Dennis and Alyse DeKraker of Washington and Keith and Vicki DeKraker of Holland, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Memorial services will be held at 11 am Thursday (October 22) at Beechwood Church, 895 Ottawa Beach Road, with Rev’s Dave Lantz and Aaron Westhouse officiating. A memorial visitation will be 6-8 pm Wednesday (October 21) at the Dykstra Funeral Home-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue.
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