Nathaniel Doorlag

Nathaniel Willis-Allen "Nate" Doorlag of Galesburg, MI went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI on December 8, 1980, the son of Mark Allen Doorlag and Rebecca Ann (Diller) Doorlag. Nate was a graduate of Plainwell High School and went on to earn his business degree at Spring Arbor University. During his high school and college years, he excelled at baseball, throwing a mean fast pitch of 93mph. He still holds the record at Plainwell High School for home runs per game played, and at Spring Arbor University for 28 doubles in a season. Nate grew up with a great love for the outdoors, namely fishing and hunting, and developed an uncanny ability to fix or build just about anything. As his college years drew to a close, he met the woman who would become his bride for the next 20 years, Candice Sue (DeGraaf) Doorlag. In the early years of their marriage, Nate enlisted in the US Army to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Those years in the military forged and strengthened their marriage as they relied on God through many tearful goodbyes and beautiful homecomings.

God blessed Nate and Candice immeasurably as He gave them six precious children through their marriage - Savannah, Emily, Madalyn, Annabel, Daisy and Nathan. He was the absolute best father to his children and a fiercely loyal husband to Candice. His values could be summed up in this order: God, Family, Country. Everything he did was an extension of his resolute faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ the Solid Rock. That faith alone determined how he led his family, made incredible friendships, served his community, and served his country. Nate has left his mark on a countless number of lives; truly an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind man. His memory and legacy will certainly live on.

Nate is survived by his wife, Candice, and children, Savannah, Emily, Madalyn, Annabel, Daisy and Nathan; his parents Mark and Becky Doorlag; grandmother Pat Doorlag; siblings Grace (Eric) Jones, Jon (Sarah) Doorlag, Joy (Alex) Robinson; in-laws whom he loved as his own family: Jim and Lynda DeGraaf (Dad and Mom), and siblings Angela (John) Van Dellen, Christina (Scott) Ursiny, Josh (Jill) DeGraaf; and 22 nieces and nephews who all admired their Uncle Nate.

In accordance with the family's wishes a public visitation will be held at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held the following day Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Northeastern Baptist Church, 6536 E G Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49048, beginning at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Curt Griffis of Faith Chapel officiating. There will be a time of fellowship to follow. Nate will be laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery during a private committal service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a love offering for the family can be made by visiting the Faith Chapel Kalamazoo Facebook page.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Nate's guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Doorlag family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080. 269-685-5881.