Leonard Peter DePender's Obituary
Leonard Peter DePender, age 89, of Spring Lake, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was born in Eastmanville, Michigan, to Peter and Mary (Modderman) DePender. On May 14, 1959, he married the former Linda Lou Brown at Coopersville Christian Reformed Church.
Leonard graduated from Coopersville High School, where he played football and baseball. He enjoyed attending the 100th anniversary celebration of Coopersville football a few years ago. He was active in Little League baseball, served as field director for Rocket football, and coached ninth-grade football. Len was a member of Coopersville Christian Reformed Church and served on the Allendale Christian School Board. After retiring from the Ottawa County Road Commission as a heavy equipment operator, Len and his wife, Linda, spent 25 winters in Avon Park, Florida. He enjoyed traveling with Linda, visiting all but four states, and loved to golf shooting a hole in one on January 20, 2011.
Len is lovingly remembered by his wife of 67 years, Linda DePender; his two sons, Larry (Amy Grout) DePender and Lance DePender; and five grandchildren; Gabrielle (Trey) Martinez, Nicole (Chris Brown), Shannon (Matt) Corbiel, William DePender, and Robert (Isabel) DePender and five great grandchildren, Logan, Jordan, Braxton, Leonard, and Kathryn. Len was preceded in death by his brother, Clarence DePender; and his daughter-in-law, Linda Louise DePender.
A Memorial Service for Len will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Coopersville Christian Reformed Church 200 Henry St Coopersville, MI. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions to Coopersville Association for Christian Education (C.A.C.E.) are appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Memories may be shared with the family in the online guest book at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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