Dorah Louise (Evans) Braak

Dorah Louise Braak, age 89 of Grand Haven, passed away on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Riverside Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She was born on September 27, 1934, in Muskegon, MI to the late Walter and Eloise (Hayford) Evans. Dorah married Ronald Braak on July 13, 1955, in Grand Haven. He preceded her in death on November 23, 2019, after 64 years of marriage.

Dorah graduated from Muskegon Heights High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Hope College in 1956. She then began her career teaching grade school for Grand Haven Area Public Schools. She later attended Western Michigan University, where she received her master’s degree. Dorah retired from Griffin Elementary School after 30 years of teaching for G.H.A.P.S.

Dorah supported her husband, Ron, as he ran the family-owned business, Braak’s Bakery. She was a member of Second Reformed Church, where she served as Elder and Sunday School Director and Teacher. She also led many Christian Bible Studies at church and at Christian Haven Home.

Dorah enjoyed family gatherings and cooking family dinners, especially on the holidays. She also enjoyed reading, scrapbooking, getting together with friends, and volunteering at Kid’s Hope.

Dorah is lovingly remembered and missed by her daughter, Cheryl (Mike) Payne; her two sons, Dan (Debbie) Braak and Jeff (Debbie) Braak; eight grandchildren: William Montgomery (Ashley Vogle), Jacob Montgomery, Mitch Payne, Derek, Isaac (Gretta), and Jason (Gina) Braak, and Samuel and Audrey Braak; two great-grandchildren, Norah and Ari; brother-in-law, Roy Overway; sister-in-law, Judie Braak; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-greats.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her sister, Sally Engle; sister-in-law, Joyce Overway, and brother-in-law, Jack Braak.

The Memorial Service for Dorah will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Second Reformed Church with Pastor Derek Noorman officiating. Visitations will be held on Thursday, December 14th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Second Reformed Church or Riverside Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

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