Lewis Dale DeYoung

Lewis "Dale" DeYoung, age 85, of Grand Haven, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 3, 2026. He was born on September 29, 1940, in Muskegon, Michigan, to the late Jay and Ruth (Lucas) DeYoung. On October 10, 1959, Dale married the love of his life, Kathryn Hoekstra, in Grand Haven, beginning a marriage that spanned 66 years.

Dale graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School and attended Muskegon Community College. He began his career at Gardner-Denver, later Cooper Tools, and went on to work for Jost International, where he spent the final 10 years of his career before retiring.

A man of deep faith, Dale loved to worship and was actively involved in many churches throughout his life, serving faithfully as a deacon and elder. Through his church ministry, he helped glean fruits and vegetables that were donated to Love in Action of the Tri-Cities. For 24 years, Dale also coordinated speakers and lay ministers for worship services at the RV park he and Kathryn cherished while wintering in Fort Myers, Florida. He was an active participant in the DeColores movement and found great joy in fellowship and service.

In addition to traveling in his RV, Dale was a devoted nature-lover. He treasured living on the river and enjoyed boating, fishing, and hunting. Known for his green thumb, he took pride in gardening and harvesting a crop of vegetables each year. In his younger years, Dale was an avid athlete and especially loved playing softball.

Dale will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Kathryn; daughters, Suzan (Michael) Reenders, Kelli (Richard) Shanty; son, Scott (Pam) DeYoung; 11 grandchildren: Jennifer Black, Connor DeYoung, Lauren Dahms, Jessie Chittenden, Courtney Glavich, Audrey Reenders-Arens, Lindsey Dykstra, Codi D'Avignon, Ethan Reenders, Adam Shanty, and Brent Shanty; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister, Sharon (Don) Zant, Jr.; brothers, Darwin (Donna) DeYoung and Gordon (Paula) DeYoung; brother-in-law, Al (Joyce) Hoekstra; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Judith Mischler; and four sisters-in-law.

The Funeral Service for Dale will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Harvest Church-Spring Lake Campus, with Pastor Chris Moeller officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Lake Forest Cemetery. The service was recorded on January 9. Click here to view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dp8epYK7u-s

Memorial Contributions may be made to Trinity Health at Home Hospice-Grand Haven or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lewis Dale DeYoung, please visit our floral store.