Donald Kreykes, age 87, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2019.
He leaves on this earth his wife, Coral; his children Cheryl and Michael Brandsen, Barbara and Robert De Vries, Jon and Michele Kreykes, James and Katrina Kreykes; his grandchildren Laura, Benjamin (Christa), Robert (Jackie), Jillann, Katherine, Holly (Caleb), Daniel (Ashley), Janelle, Miriam; and great-grandchildren Caroline Brandsen, Alayah Toliver, and Abby, Betsy, Maggie, and Bobby De Vries.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Martina Kreykes; his sister Marvella and brother-in-law John Woltjer; father-in-law John and mother in-law Jenny Havemen; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Don was born in Hospers, Iowa in 1931 and lived in and around Orange City, Iowa for the first 20 years of his life. After serving for two years in the army, he married Coral in 1955 and moved to Grand Rapids, MI.
Don worked for Corduroy Rubber, Kelvinator, and Kenowa Hills school district. After retiring, Don volunteered for many years at both Meals on Wheels and New 2 You thrift shop for the Grand Rapids Christian schools. Don loved God and loved his family, and they loved him. He was a faithful member of Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church for nearly 60 years, serving terms as both elder and deacon. A quiet and unassuming man, Don lived with deep joy and contentment, knowing his only comfort in life and in death was that he was not his own, but belonged, body and soul, in life and in death, to his faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. Because Don knew he belonged to Jesus, Don died with full assurance of knowing he will live with Jesus.
A memorial service to celebrate God's faithfulness in Don's life will be held at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton Street SE, Thursday, May 16, 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Christian school of their choice.
Grand Rapids Press, The (MI) - Monday, May 13, 2019
Coral Kreykes, age 87, was welcomed to her heavenly home on Saturday, June
8, 2019.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, just four weeks earlier; her parents John and Jennie Haveman; her brother Albert and sister Ruth; her father-in-law and mother-in-law John and Martina Kreykes; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Coral was a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is survived by her children, Cheryl and Michael Brandsen, Barbara and Robert De Vries, Jon and Michele Kreykes, James and Katrina Kreykes; her grandchildren Laura, Benjamin (Christa), Robert (Jackie), Jillann, Katherine, Holly (Caleb), Daniel (Ashley), Janelle, Miriam; and great-grandchildren, Caroline Brandsen, Alayah Toliver, and Abby, Betsy, Maggie, and Bobby DeVries, all of whom brought her much joy.
Coral graduated from Calvin College. She especially enjoyed singing The Messiah with the Calvin Oratorio Society. A teacher by training, Coral began her career at Baldwin Christian School and while raising her family, taught at several Grand Rapids Public Schools. She was faithful to her community as an educator, VBS instructor, and through her support of Oakdale Christian School.
She and Don would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on June 16. After retiring, they volunteered for many years at both Meals on Wheels and New 2 You thrift shop for the Grand Rapids Christian schools. They were members of Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church for nearly 60 years.
The family will receive guests at an informal coffee time on Saturday, June 15 from 10-11:30 AM at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton Street SE. A private burial and celebration of Coral’s life will follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery, Pastor Bob DeVries officiating.
Published by MKD FH 11 Jun 2019