George Jr DeBaar

George Jr DeBaar was welcomed home, into the glorious kingdom of God, on April 30, 2018. For 95 years, George stood tall as a man of strength, great moral courage, and undying faith in his Lord and Savior. He left this world peacefully, surrounded by his children and the adoring love of his family.

Born April 13, 1923 to George and Elizabeth DeBaar, George was the youngest of three sons. Raised in Grand Rapids, he attended Ottawa Hills High School. Shortly after his time at Ottawa, George was drafted to serve our country in World War II.

At the age of 19, George left his family and the comfort of home to travel overseas. He toured Europe with the United States Army and served as a bodyguard and escort for General Eisenhower. 

Upon arriving home, George met and married the love of his life, Lois Hoogerwerf. Together they built a home and welcomed four children. A devoted father, he raised his “good kids” to work hard, love large, and devote their lives to God. 

Committed to providing for his family, George made his living as the head electrician for Keeler Brass. He spent 39 years deeply dedicated to his profession and was known throughout the company for his sense of humor and friendly demeanor.

After his retirement, George and Lois began to spend their winters in Vero Beach. They continued to bask in their retirement and the warm sunshine of Florida for 10 years before returning home to Grand Rapids to spend their time with family. George lived out the final four years of his life at Samaritas retirement community, where he formed genuine friendships with fellow residents and the staff that adored and cared for him. 

George is preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 69 years, Lois DeBaar; his brothers Charles Behling and Garrit DeBaar; and son in law, Ward Duyser. He will be dearly missed by his children, Dan (Luanne) DeBaar, Jack (Marcia) DeBaar, Susan Duyser, Kevin (Tracy) DeBaar, 16 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren.

George, affectionately known to many as “Dumps”, was a beautiful soul, a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Dumps, a self proclaimed “teaser”, constantly kept us on our toes through an array of practical jokes. A generous handyman, he would drop anything to help a friend. Armed with a world of “fix-it” knowledge, George was the one we turned to when something was broken. A remarkable listener, what he couldn’t mend with tools, he could fix with his sweet smile. He made a home wherever he went and never ceased to turn strangers into friends, and friends into family. We, his family, are blessed beyond measure to have loved an incredible man and to have been loved so deeply in return.

A memorial service will be held at Samaritas retirement community on Thursday, May 3 at 2:30pm with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Samaritas and Mel Trotter Ministries. 

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