Alan Kieft DeWitt's Obituary
Alan Kieft DeWitt, age 86, of Spring Lake passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2024, in Plano, Texas. He was born in Ferrysburg, MI on February 17, 1938, to Walter H. and Gertrude A. (Kieft) DeWitt. He married Marlene VanTol on August 23, 1958. They were married 50 years until Marlene preceded him in death on April 21, 2009.
Alan graduated from Grand Haven High School and was named Young Optimist of the Year by the Grand Haven Optimist Club. He proudly served his country in the Navy, rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Alan rarely left the house without his CPO ball cap and smiled with every salute he received while visiting Naval bases in his retirement. After serving in the Navy, Alan worked as advertising manager for the Grand Haven Tribune, where he wrote a letter to the US Coast Guard, achieving permission for Grand Haven to be published and commonly referred to as “Coast Guard City USA”. He was a self-made, lifelong, Dutch entrepreneur, grinding out profit from the repair and sale of machines, from automobiles to washers and dryers, all skills he learned in his teen years.
He is lovingly remembered by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry (Ann) DeWitt of Ferrysburg and Glen (Gail) DeWitt of North Fort Myers; three daughters, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Alan is also remembered by area relatives, including the DeWitt, VanTol, DeYoung, Brouwer, and Hesse families. Cherished most by his daughters, Sarah (Michael) Pyne of Spring Lake and Vicki (Bill) Blake of Plano, TX. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles DeWitt, sisters-in-law, Lou DeWitt, Joyce DeWitt, Effie VanTol, and Angenieta DeYoung, and brother-in-law, Donn DeYoung.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, September 6, 2024, at Second Reformed Church in Grand Haven with Pastor Derek Noorman officiating, and military honors accorded by the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post # 28 Honor Guard. Friends may meet the family from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, at the VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services. Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Memorial contributions to Navy Safe Harbor Foundation are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Alan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alan?
Share a story where Alan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alan you’ll never forget.
How did Alan make you smile?
