Peter H. Devries

Peter H. DeVries, age 90 of Randolph, went to his eternal home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at the Golden Years Senior Living in Randolph, where he has resided for the past several months.

Peter was born on June 7, 1918 in rural Randolph, the son of Henry and Susie (Burmania) DeVries. He was a lifelong area resident who attended local schools, then helped his dad on the farm. Peter was united in marriage to Nina Tamminga on September 15, 1939 at the First Reformed Church in Randolph. He owned and operated a milk hauling business that became a family tradition. P.H. DeVries and Sons was managed by Peter for nearly sixty years until he retired, leaving the business in the capable hands of his son, Harris. Peter was a member of the Second Christian Reformed Church of Randolph, where he has served on the council as Elder. Following the death of his wife, Peter became involved with the Prison Ministry in Waupun and Fox Lake, and was active with that thru 2008. In his retirement, he enjoyed keeping with the tradition of maintaining a large vegetable and flower garden, and especially enjoyed tending the raspberries and roses. Of most importance to him were his faith and his family. He received great pleasure from being with his family and especially delighted in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Peter is survived by two daughters, Justine (Jim) Boomsma, and Patricia (John) Pothof, both of Randolph; his son, Alan (Cindy) DeVries, Cambria; a daughter-in-law, Theresa DeVries, Randolph; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; four brothers, Charles (Sylvia) DeVries, Randolph; Marvin (Caroline) DeVries, Waupun; Willard (Alice) DeVries, Tempe, AZ; Harold (Fran) DeVries, Randolph; a sister-in-law, Mildred DeVries, a brother-in-law, Don VanBeek, both of Randolph; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nina in 1984; his son, Harris in 2002; a grandson, Jimmy Boomsma, in 1966; a great-grandchild, infant Cupery in 1999; three brothers, John, Frank, Chester, and a sister, Johanna VanBeek.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Second Christian Reformed Church, 332 Tamarack Street, Randolph, with the Rev. Karl Bratt and Rev. Gerald Shibley officiating. Burial will follow in the Randolph Cemetery.

Peter’s family will receive relatives and friends at the church on Friday, April 3, 2009 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service.

A Memorial Fund has been established in Peter’s name.

“The family sends their grateful appreciation to the staff of Golden Years Senior Living and Hillside Hospice for their compassionate and loving care; and to Darvin Cupery, Alvin VanLoo, and Pastor Gerald Shibley for transporting Pete to the Prison Ministry and continuing this mission that was so dear to his heart.”