Thomas L. "Jap" DeCan's Obituary
Thomas “Jap” DeCan, age 54, of Spring Lake passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at a Muskegon hospital. He was born February 19, 1955, in Grand Haven to Lyle and Dorothy (Donahue) DeCan, and he married the former Dawn Resseguie on December 18, 1986.
Jap was a lifelong resident of Spring Lake and was formerly employed as a roll former for Shape Corporation. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was a past president of the Grand Haven Eagles. He loved NASCAR racing and going to Stan’s Bar in Spring Lake. He also enjoyed fishing, woodworking, hunting, and snowmobiling.
Survivors include his loving wife, Dawn; his beloved dogs, Albert and Mattie; two sisters-in-law, Beth (Tim) Ernst of Nunica and Bonnie (Rich) Drier of Norton Shores; his mother-in-law, Sharon (Joe Makin) Cooper of Nunica; three sisters: Judy (Jim) Gaskin of Arkansas, Sue (Joe) Stalzer of Spring Lake, and Patty (Tim) VanStrate of Grand Haven; a brother, Ken (Rita) DeCan of Spring Lake; one special nephew buddy ole’ pal; also many special nieces and nephews, too many to name; and all of Plant 1900 at Shape Corp. He was preceded in death by his parents; one of his beloved dogs, Henry; three uncles; three aunts; a brother-in-law, Jerry Wilson; his father-in-law, Robert Cooper.
The service for Jap will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2009, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven with Rev. Daniel Anderson officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Military rites will be provided by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28. Memorial contributions to assist the family, c/o VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home, are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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