Dave DeVries, age 82 of
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, ran into the arms of Jesus on July 5, 2023. Dave was born on July 3, 1941 in
Willmar, Minnesota to Richard and Muriel (Sands) DeVries. He married Kathy Gross on June 19, 1964 in
Willmar, Minnesota.
Dave welcomed everyone with a warm smile. We know that the smiles are abounding in the heavenly reunion going on. JOY was Dave's "word for the year" in 2023. He chose joy throughout life even when things were hard, and his family now chooses joy as we continue his legacy.
The passions that drove Dave were his love for Jesus, his family, and sharing the good news of Jesus. He lived out these passions by serving in ministries of the Evangelical Covenant Church: Radio (KICY,
Nome, Alaska) and Christian camping (Twin Lakes Bible Camp, Manson, Iowa; Alpine Conference Center, Blue Jay, California; and Covenant Harbor Bible Camp,
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin). Dave was a founding member of Anchor Covenant Church in Lake Geneva, where he served in many roles including leadership, greeter, treasurer, and children's ministry.
Dave was loved by all who met him because he treasured people. His friends and family describe Dave as Christ-like, hard-working, loving, kind, welcoming, full of integrity, a truly sweet spirit, and a prayer warrior. He lived life to the fullest, with hobbies such as walking, biking, camping, hiking, and fishing. Dave was an avid reader, and faithfully read his Bible. He found great delight in spending time with his family and friends sharing meals and adventures, and attending all the activities of his grandchildren. The legacy Dave leaves behind will continue to impact his family and our world for a LONG time.
Dave DeVries is survived by his family whom he loved more than anyone besides Jesus: His wife Kathy DeVries and his children Jane DeVries, Amy (DeVries) Caspari, Neal and Cyndie DeVries, and Laura (DeVries) and Neil Gowan. He is also survived by his grandchildren Sarah, Ben, and Kristi Caspari, Emma (DeVries) and Connor Dick, Tim DeVries, and Sally, Daisy, and Henry Gowan. He is also survived by his sister Diane (DeVries) Larsen and her husband John, sister-in-laws Diane DeVries and Karen Gross and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Al DeVries, and his son-in-law Dave Caspari.
The family invites you to a Service of Praise to God and Celebration of the Life of Dave DeVries on Saturday, July 15, at 3 pm at Covenant Harbor Bible Camp in the worship tent by the lake.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to one of these ministries where Dave served: KICY radio station, Twin Lakes Bible Camp, or Covenant Harbor Bible Camp (please see links below).
https://www.kicy.org/
https://www.twinlakesbiblecamp.org/
https://covenantharbor.org/
Lazarczyk Simple Choice of Lake Geneva is proudly serving the family.