Mr. Peter (Pieter) Haga, 77, of Grand Rapids (formerly Ada), Michigan, passed away on April 23, 2020. After a long struggle with COPD, we celebrate his new life and wholeness in the presence of his Lord and Savior. Born in Blija, of Friesland, The Netherlands, on June 9, 1942, Pieter was the oldest of five children born to Gordon and Alice Haga. The Haga family immigrated to the United States, arriving in Hoboken, New Jersey on Easter Sunday, 1947. At age 5, Pieter dropped the “i” and so began his life as a proud American. Peter served in the United States Navy from 1960-1966 and graduated from Forest Hills Central in 1961. He dedicated his career to the Amway Corporation, where he served for 38 years. Peter met Miss Betty Elling of Imlay City, Michigan, in the summer of 1963 while stationed in Norfolk, VA and she serving with S.W.I.M. of the CRC. At first glance, Peter declared that she was the woman he was to marry, and was in whom he found the love of his life. They married on November 6, 1964. They celebrated 55 years together this past November, along with their beloved family: sons, Randall Dale Haga and Ronald Dean Haga, married to Juli Anne (Blauwkamp), and grandsons, Zander James and Warren Christopher, all of Grand Rapids. The Hagas were long devoted to their family, faith, friends, and to hard work. Upon retirement, they added fishing to that list, becoming summer residents of Sugar Island, Michigan for many years. Peter was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Alice Haga, and sister, Grace (Haga) Goudswaard. He will be lovingly remembered by brothers, Ralph and Virginia Haga, George and Sharon Haga, Alco and Judy Haga, and brother-in-law, Arie Goudswaard, many nephews and nieces, and special friends. A private graveside service will be held, officiated by his pastor Lew VanderMeer of New Community Church. A celebration of Pete’s life will be scheduled at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Community Church, Sugar Island, Michigan or to New Community Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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