November 29 2019
Obituary Betsy DeKorne passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on Friday evening November 29, 2019 and is now rejoicing in heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Born on December 13, 1923 to Reverend Emo and Nellie (Lucas) Van Halsema as the third of eight children in East Paris, Michigan, Betsy grew up in Passaic, New Jersey. She graduated high school from Eastern Academy in New Jersey and attended Calvin College where she received her bachelor’s degree. It was at Calvin College that she met the love of her life Jack DeKorne. After Jack returned from Navy service in the Pacific in World War II, they were married on June 26, 1946 in the church her father Emo was then pastoring in Passaic, New Jersey. Betsy lived her life with spirit and energy. She was deeply involved in the life of her church family at Westview Christian Reformed Church as choir director, Bible study leader, and maker of delicious chicken soup for whoever needed it. Her impact was wide – from the neighborhood in which she lived, to the wonderful friendships cultivated at Glen Lake, and to a multitude of ministries and groups in Grand Rapids and around the world. Betsy was preceded in death by her husband Jack in 2011; her sisters and brothers Wilhemina Quackenbush, Dick VanHalsema, Gerard VanHalsema, Marian Ten Have, and Helen VandePolder; and her son-in-law Mike Ranney. The wonderful woman known to some as Betsy, to others as Mom, and still others as Gram, is survived by her sister Bernice VandenBerg and brother Franklin (Cathy) Van Halsema; her five children Jack (Wilma) DeKorne, Dale (Jane) DeKorne, James (Greta) DeKorne, Joan Ranney, and David (Barbara) DeKorne; 12 grandchildren (her “treasures”); and 27 adored great-grandchildren (her “great-treasures”). The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Raybrook for their love and attention given to Betsy the past seven years. A memorial service will be held on Thursday at noon, December 5, at Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St. SE, 49546) with Pastor Pete Byma officiating. The family will greet friends and relatives for visitation on Wednesday, December 4 from 4-7 pm at Zaagman Memorial Chapel as well as one hour prior to the service on Thursday (11am-noon) at Zaagman. For those wishing to honor Betsy’s life and legacy, the family requests donations be made to Mel Trotter Ministries (225 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503; www.meltrotter.org). We give glory to God for Betsy’s life. She changed for the better all those she touched. We look forward to our blessed and joyous reunion with her in heaven! To send flowers to the family of Betsy DeKorne, please visit Tribute Store. Events Dec4 Visitation Wednesday, December 04, 2019 4:00PM – 7:00PM Zaagman Memorial Chapel 2800 Burton Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Get directions View MapTextEmail Order flowers for Betsy’s Visitation. Guaranteed delivery before Betsy’s Visitation begins. Dec5 Visitation Thursday, December 05, 2019 11:00AM – 12:00PM Zaagman Memorial Chapel 2800 Burton Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Get directions View MapTextEmail Order flowers for Betsy’s Visitation. Guaranteed delivery before Betsy’s Visitation begins. Dec5 Service Thursday, December 05, 2019 12:00PM Zaagman Memorial Chapel 2800 Burton Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Get directions View MapTextEmail Order flowers for Betsy’s Service. Guaranteed delivery before Betsy’s Service begins. Memorial Contributions Mel Trotter Ministries 225 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, mi 49503 616-454-8249 Visit website
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Betsy DeKorne November 29 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Grand Rapids, state: Michigan