Ray DeHaan

Raymond Mace DeHaan, age 96, of Kalamazoo, passed away on November 21, 2024. Born on September 6, 1928, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he was the son of Reuben DeHaan and Mabel VanDonselaar. Ray dedicated his life to glorifying God through his work, his words, and his actions. A lifelong believer, he found joy in studying and sharing the Word of God and passionately championing Christian education as a cornerstone for raising generations of faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Ray’s life was rich with curiosity, a love for learning, and a deep connection to nature, family, and the world around him. Growing up in Kansas during the Dust Bowl years, Ray learned the value of hard work and resourcefulness, which carried him through life.

In high school, he was an excellent pitcher and was even asked to try out for the New York Yankees, but he instead went on to graduate from Calvin College. From there he went to medical school at the University of Michigan where he met his wife, Joyce, who was also a physician. Their support for each other was unwavering throughout their 59 years of marriage until Joyce’s death in 2015. Ray never boasted about his accomplishments or education and, despite holding a doctorate, he never introduced himself as “Doctor DeHaan.” His humility and genuine interest in others made him a beloved figure.

Despite the busyness of a career at the Upjohn Company and raising 5 children, he made time for his diverse interests. His interest in farming led to having a hobby farm where he raised goats, cows, pigs, horses, chickens, rabbits, and more. He also loved hunting, and this led to a special bond with his son, Doug, with whom he frequently went on hunting trips. Ray’s passion for airplanes was another defining part of his life. He owned an airplane for a time and nearly earned his pilot's license. He enjoyed talking flying with both his sons, especially hearing about David’s work with Boeing.

Ray spent many enjoyable summers at his cottage in South Haven. Every Tuesday, his daughter, Deb, who he fondly referred to as “Girl Tuesday,” visited to help him complete his to-do list. After which, they shared a Two Hearted Ale. He enjoyed talking medicine with his daughter Diane, also a doctor, and spending time at her family’s home in New Mexico in the winter and taking many Road Scholar trips together. Youngest daughter Darcie lived nearby and always stopped by to bring him treats; he took great pleasure in hearing about her random acts of kindness.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife Joyce; and siblings: John DeHaan, Ruth Plaisier, and Wayne DeHaan. He is survived by his children: Deb (Dave) Kool, Doug (Gayle) DeHaan, David (Claudia) DeHaan, Diane (Ed) Kruis, and Darcie (Troy) Weldon; grandchildren: Ana (Lavell) McClain, Levi (Kristen) Kool, Micah Kool, Eva Kool, Brad DeHaan, Taylor DeHaan, Lucas DeHaan, Marcus DeHaan, Jordan (Reed) Canon-Kruis, Jesse (Lynnae) Kruis, Jacob Kruis, Jacqueline Kruis, and John Kruis; and great-grandchildren: Preston, Leo, Weslie, Jordyn, Raea, and Gianna.

Celebrate Ray’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial donations may be directed to Alongside Inc. or World Renew.

Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.