David Hoogerhyde ’49

A respected and beloved father, grandfather and “G.G.”, David M. Hoogerhyde, age 97, entered into his heavenly home on November 6, 2021. The son of Rosetta and David Hoogerhyde Sr., David was born on June 23, 1924, and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from South High School and enrolled in Hope College. His tenure at Hope was interrupted by a call to serve in the Army for 3 years during WWII. After completing his service, David returned to Hope and obtained his degree. David spent the majority of his career in the financial sector, first with Union Bank and Trust, and then with Mutual Home Federal Savings and Loan. He dedicated more than 30 years of his working life to Mutual Home (Prime Bank), most of them serving as the President and CEO. David was a man of enduring faith. He was baptized at Central Reformed Church in downtown Grand Rapids and remained a member there for his entire life. He devoted much of his time and support to his church, serving in different capacities ranging from leadership roles in the consistory, serving on committees, ushering, tending to the gardens and numerous other duties. David was also an active supporter of Hope College contributing to their scholarship program, attending athletic events and reunions with many of his lifetime friends and alumni. In addition to his church and his college, David believed in supporting many of the clubs and agencies in Grand Rapids. He dedicated countless volunteer hours over the years to the downtown Rotary Club, the YMCA of Grand Rapids, the Salvation Army and the Boy Scouts of America. David was blessed with two happy and enduring marriages. His first wife, Millie Vermaire, was a member of his church and graduated from Hope College. They enjoyed 25 years of marriage and had three children, Douglas, Nancy and Mary Kay. Millie was only 48 when cancer claimed her life. A few years later, David married Carol DeVos, also a member of his church and a close friend of his family’s. They were married for 42 years before Carol passed away in 2018. In his younger years, David lived an active and social life. He and Carol enjoyed playing golf at Cascade Hills and many other area courses. They traveled to Arizona or Florida in the winter and made annual trips to Mackinac Island and Northern Michigan. Dave and Carol both loved flowers and gardening. They learned to square dance in their 60’s, regularly played bridge or gin rummy, and never missed an opportunity to sip a Manhattan at “Happy Hour.” At one time David served as director and President of the Peninsular Club in downtown Grand Rapids. He could easily be spotted on his daily walk to lunch there, with his ever-present pipe in his mouth and his hand reaching for his pocket watch to check the time. To his family and the many people who knew and loved him, David Hoogerhyde will forever be remembered as “one of the last true gentlemen-kind and caring in a strong way.” He will be greatly missed. David was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Nancy, his first wife, Mildred (Vermaire) and his second wife, Carol (DeVos). He is survived by his son, Douglas M.Hoogerhyde ’77 (Peggy), daughter, Mary Kay Kolaz (Tom), step-children, Georgia Jones (Dan), Catherine Stovall (John), and David DeVos (Marcia). Grandchildren: Julie Hoogerhyde ’08 (Daniel ’08) Holt, Kristin Ruud, Chloe Kolaz, Sarah Brown, Betsy Wells, David Jones, Caitlin Volovlek, Collin DeVos, Jeremy DeVos and Caroline DeVos. David also has 12 great grandchildren and another one on the way. The family is deeply grateful for the skilled and compassionate care David received at Porter Hills Health Care. We are also thankful for the end of life supportive care he received from Emmanuel Hospice. A Memorial service for David will be held at Central Reformed Church on Friday, November 12 at 1 PM with visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Reformed Church Endowment Fund or the Salvation Army (Booth Services).
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