Robert L De Jonge

Robert Lee De Jonge, age 83, of Drenthe, went to his eternal home Saturday, January 27th, 2018. Robert was one of eight siblings born in Zeeland, Michigan to John and Anna De Jonge in 1934. He attended the Free Methodist Church of Zeeland for most of his life and served as a worship leader and Sunday school teacher. Robert was a natural born educator and used his talents at County Normal School and then Hamilton Community Schools for 35 years. He also was a Driver's Education teacher and was a founding member of the Teachers Credit Union for many years as well. His teaching style was unique and influenced many students' lives. From an early age, he loved animals and had an entrepreneurial spirit. He started Tiny Mite Chihuahuas in 1952 and developed a reputation for his Chihuahuas, sold them all over the country and world, and built his business on honesty and integrity. He was a member of the Holland Kennel Club and the Chihuahua Club of Michigan. In 1955, Robert married his beloved wife, Helen Hecocks. Together they created a loving family and built their business together for 48 years. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Helen; siblings, Marinus De Jonge, Anna Mae Vander Kooi, Frances Postmus, Gladys Schrotenboer, Dorothy Kraak, and Lois Marema. Robert is survived by his daughter, Sharon L. De Jonge, and son, Craig R. De Jonge, both of St. Augustine, Florida; two granddaughters, Andrea (Tyler) Hop, of Zeeland, and Megan De Jonge of St. Augustine, Florida; sister, Eunice Schrotenboer, of Byron Center; sisters-in-law, Milly (Gene) Mogg of Caledonia, Karen (Phil) Lewan of Jackson; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loving companion of 13 years, Ruth Bouwman, of Holland. Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Thursday, February 1, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1015 E 32nd St., Holland, with Rev. Thomas Vanden Heuvel and Rev. Lew Vander Meer officiating. Burial will be in Zeeland Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7pm on Wednesday, January 31 at Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S State St., Zeeland. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Oakdale Christian School, Gideons International, and Hospice of Holland.