Duane Peekstock ’52

Duane G. Peekstok, age 92 of Kalamazoo, went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 5, 2023. He was born on September 17, 1930, in Kalamazoo, the son of Charles and Carrie (Workman) Peekstok. Duane was a 1948 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and a 1952 graduate of Hope College. He enjoyed playing varsity basketball at both schools. On June 27, 1952, Duane married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Eleanor Koetje, and they shared 71 wonderful years together. Duane served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He worked for over 30 years as an accountant for General Motors, until his retirement. Duane lived a life of service, volunteering for many organizations including the Special Olympics, Hospice of SW Michigan, Kids Hope of Milwood, and served in many roles at Milwood Christian Reformed Church and the Kalamazoo Christian Schools. Duane dearly loved his children and grandchildren and cherished the time he spent with them. His family includes his wife, Eleanor Peekstok; his children: Lorri (Bill) VanderRoest, Karri (Phillip) Tempelman, and Dan Peekstok (Diane Double); his grandchildren: Michael (Daphne), Matthew (Stef), and Mark (Alison) VanderRoest, Ella, Kevin (Stacy), and Bryan (Stephanie) Tempelman, and Daniel and Davis Peekstok; his great-grandsons, Noah and David and a third great-grandson due in August; his brothers: Robert Peekstok and Ronald (DeeDee) Peekstok; and several nieces and nephews.