William H. Devries

Willard H. DeVries, age 76 of Tempa, AZ, went to his eternal home on January 3, 2010, surrounded by his family.

Willard was born on April 5, 1933 in a farmhouse near Randolph, WI, son of Henry and Susie (Burmania) DeVries. From early childhood, Willard felt called to the ministry. He was a graduate of Calvin College, and earned his Masters of Divinity in 1958 from Calvin Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. On September 11, 1959 he was united in marriage to Alice Snapper in Lynden, Washington. Willard ministered as pastor of Christian Reformed Churches in the following areas, Brooten, MN; Oskaloosa, IA: Hull, IA; Moline, MI; and Lodgepole, SD. Willard retired to Tempe, AZ, and served as an interim pastor for six months at Christ’s Community Christian Reformed Church in Chandler, AZ.

Willard is survived by Alice, his wife of fifty years; two daughters, Margaret (Warren) Rice and Kate (Jon) Fuller; three grandchildren, Nate, Jesse and Sam Fuller; three brothers, Charles (Sylvia) DeVries, Randolph; Marvin (Carolyn) DeVries, Waupun; and Harold (Fran) DeVries, Randolph; a brother-in-law, Donald Van Beek, and a sister-in-law, Mildred DeVries, both of Randolph; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, John, Peter, Frank and Chester; and by his sister, Johanna Van Beek.

Services were held on January 7, 2010 at Christ’s Community Christian Reformed Church of Chandler, AZ. Meditation and reflections on a Life of Blessing was given by Pastor Jonathan Gerstner, highlighting Willard’s favorite Bible verse, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21.