Birth date: Jan 10, 1944 Death date: Aug 9, 2006
Pastor David B. DeKoning went to be with his Lord on August 9, 2006. He was born on January 10, 1944 to Paul and Doris (Strong) DeKoning in Lansing, MI. He has lived and served in the Muskegon area since 1966 and has been the long Read Obituary
Paul I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I fondly remember the music that filled your home and his gentle demeanor. Our love and prayers are with you and your family.##imported-begin##Kristy (DeLong) Appleton##imported-end##
Dear MaryBeth, it has been years, but I remember you and Dave at house group in Caraways basement. Your hair was very long then, even before Laura was born. I remember vividly how you looked at him, it was so obvious you adored him! I just found out about his passing today, and am sorry for the anguish you must feel at losing the love of your life, but it is only for a short time! Can you imagine? He is where we are waiting to be! The Lord has carried you through many difficult things, and he is holding you in His arms right now, His word tells us He is close to the broken hearted. Stand firm in your faith and look for the next chapter in His plan for your life! Blessings, Monica Young (Link)##imported-begin##Monica Young##imported-end##
Hi MaryBeth, Laura, and Paul,
We just returned from vacation and read through our papers, and we were so sorry to read about Dave. We remember his daily walks through the neighborhood rain or shine. He was a very gentle man, and we know you all will miss him tremendously. You all are in our thoughts and prayers...
Love from--Don and Sue DeLong##imported-begin##Don & Sue DeLong##imported-end##
Blessings, peace, and encouragement in Christ our RISEN Lord. May he comfort you at this time.
I was just telling someone the other day about the sailboat trips we would take in the summer and the big storm Dave and my dad took the boat back in one year.
With love,
Andy Caraway##imported-begin##Andy Caraway##imported-end##
I was one of (Mr.) DeKoning's students at Oakridge High School in the 70's. He was very influential in my life. I started playing the flute in 5th grade with him as my director and by 7th grade started taking private lessons from Mr. DeKoning. I'm sure that he made all of his students feel this way, but I always felt like I was his protoge and special.
Because of the music and life lessons I learned from him I went on to go to the Ferris State University music camp, got 10 first place medals in Solo & Ensemble, got 1st and 2nd place State Solo & Ensemble medals, was in the Michigan Honors Band, attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and after graduation went on to participate in America's Youth in Concert out of Princeton University and toured Europe with them in 1979. Before I went Mr. DeKoning was kind enough to allow me to come to his house and gave me some pointers on the music we were going to perform.
Later in my life I attended some classes that he gave at our church. He has always touched me and has been a very influential and special part of my life. I'm sure that God is happy to have him with Him in heaven and we can look forward to seeing him there someday.##imported-begin##Denise (Schlueter) Burton##imported-end##
I remember Mr. Dekoning in school. I wasn't in band but he always put up with my disruption's before his class started. I would have to go in to the auditorium and give him grief...and bless his heart...he always smiled and took it in stride. I really had no business even being in his class room but I always wished that I was because he seemed like a great teacher. I'm glad I got to know him and I feel blessed that I did. He gives me very happy memories. Thanks David! Have fun with God!!##imported-begin##Dawn Boisvert##imported-end##
I am sad to hear of the loss of your beloved husband, father and friend David DeKoning. I was a student of his for many years at Oakridge in the 70s and I had a great deal of respect for him. I remember him praying with the band class and sharing his faith. I know he's now resting in the arms of his Lord and we will get to see him again in heaven. He will be missed.##imported-begin##Nancy (Maus) Lawrence##imported-end##
Dear Mrs. DeKoning & Family,
I was a band student of Mr. DeKoning for 9 years and learned much from him. His inspiration in music led me to many wonderful experiences in my life. He was a perfectionist in music and it showed through our many competition awards and medals - as a group as well as individuals. He will always hold a special place in my heart. My warmest thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Very Sincerely,
DeAnna
P.S. It seems like only yesterday that Mrs. DeKoning, Laura and Elisha would be in the audience enjoying our music concerts. That is an example of the wonderful and supportive family they are.##imported-begin##DeAnna Fodrocy (Quinn)##imported-end##
Dear Dekoning family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Laura and I played a lot of softball together in high school and I rememeber a lot of car pooling with Mr. Dekoning. I just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Linda Westerhof##imported-begin##Linda (Dixon) Westerhof##imported-end##
MaryBeth and family,
I saw the announcement in the paper on Saturday and felt so sad for all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.##imported-begin##Harvey and Marj Wuerfel##imported-end##
