Abel "Abe" DeYoung's Obituary
Mr. Abel “Abe” DeYoung, Jr., age 86, passed away Saturday morning, November 21, 2009, surrounded by his loving wife and family, the pride and joy of his life. Abe was born July 13, 1923 to Abel and Albertha (Southland) DeYoung in Muskegon, and was a life resident. He was a WWII U.S. Army veteran, serving in the European Theatre, worked at Bennett Pumps for 41 years before retiring in 1983, and then took on custodial duties at the former First Reformed Church. There he served as a Deacon, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday School. He currently is a member of Hope Reformed Church where he again served as custodian. On October 17, 1947 Abe married Cornelia G. “Connie” DeRuiter, and she survives him along with 4 children, Patricia Pederson of Holton, James (Kathy) DeYoung of Portage, David (Dennese) DeYoung of Muskegon, Joni Long of Twin Lake; 10 grandchildren, Rebecca (Jon) Epplett, Dawn (Jerry) Showers, Cheryl (Ben) Brooks, Tim DeYoung, Cynthia (Jason) Fuller, Philip DeYoung, Andrew DeYoung, Marissa DeYoung, Chris Long, Kevin Long; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Katie DeYoung, Marion DeYoung, Harold DeYoung, John (Corina) DeYoung. Abe was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Charles Pederson; and brother Jay DeYoung. SERVICES will be 1:00 PM Wednesday at Hope Reformed Church, with Rev. Steven Hyma officiating. Burial will take place at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. VISITATION at The Sytsema Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Ave. (231) 726-5210 will be from 6-8 PM Tuesday, and 1 hour prior to the service at church. You may sign the family’s on-line guest book at www.sytsemafh.com Contributions in Abe’s memory may be made to Hope Reformed Church.
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