Millard DeGooyer

Millard Don DeGooyer, age 77, of Schoolcraft, MI, passed away November 19, 2012 at Crystal Woods in Kalamazoo, MI. Millard was born October 1, 1935 in Sioux Center, Iowa, the son of Donald and Geraldine (Addink) DeGooyer. He was raised in Sioux Center, where he graduated from high school. Millard served two years in the U.S. Army with the 3rd Armored Division in Germany. He then earned a Bachelor's Degree at Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. On August 10, 1962 he married Maureen DeVries in Valley City, ND. They first lived in Lake Mills, IA, where he was a teacher for the Lake Mills Public Schools. He later received a Master's Degree from Mankato State University in Mankato, MN. They moved to Spencer, IA in 1967 where he was a teacher and then became an elementary principal the last 24 years, retiring in 1998. He was known for his great sense of humor and his dedication to staff and students. Millard was a past member of Hope Reformed Church in Spencer, IA, where he served as Elder for several terms, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and served on various committees. He also served on the Boy Scout Council, was a board member of the Pals Program and was a member of the Kiwanis Daybreakers Club. In 2001, they moved to Schoolcraft, MI, to be near their grandchildren. He was a member of Southridge Reformed Church in Kalamazoo, MI, and worked with the Kids Hope USA Program at Moorsbridge Elementary School. Millard enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling and spending time with his grandchildren and taking in their activities. Millard is survived by his wife of 50 years, Maureen DeGooyer; their two sons, Matt DeGooyer and his partner, Kenny Paige of Seattle, WA and Monte DeGooyer of Seattle, WA; their daughter and her husband, Melanie and Mike Balkema of Schoolcraft, MI; their three grandchildren, Ashley, Michael and Haley Balkema; two brothers, Donald (Nelva) DeGooyer of Sioux Center, IA and James (Charlene) DeGooyer of Rock Rapids, IA; Maureen's family, Elizabeth (Raymond) Roemmich of Stillwater, MN and Jacob (Jean) DeVries of Litchville, ND; and several nieces and nephews. Millard was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Geraldine DeGooyer and Maureen's parents, Peter and Hattie DeVries. The family will receive friends on Friday, November 23rd from 4-7 PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. A service to celebrate Millard's life will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 24th at Southridge Reformed Church (6726 Texas Drive) with Pastor Mark Vanderson officiating. Interment will be held in Hope Cemetery, Texas Township. Memorials in Millard's memory may be directed to Southridge Reformed Church, Hospice Care of SW Michigan, Parkinson's Association, or Alzheimer's Association. Please visit Millard's personalized webpage at:
www.langelands.com