Great Great grandson of:
Rev. Albertus Christiaan van Raalte & Christina Johanna DeMoen van Raalte
Great Grandson of:
A.C. van Raalte (1837–1869) & Helena Hoffman van Raalte
Grandson of:
Bastian Dirk Keppel & Anna Helena van Raalte Keppel
Son of:
John Vander Broek & Gertrude Christine Keppel Vander Broek.
John Keppel Vander Broek, was born in Holland, Michigan on April 16, 1922, the only child of Gertrude and John Vander Broek. As young child he moved with his parents into their new home at 40 East 12th Street next door to his grandparents Bastian Keppel and Anna Van Raalte Keppel. John lived on that block for over fifty years, eventually moving into his grandparent's house at 36 E 12th Street where he and his wife Frances raised their four children John Keppel II, (Jack), Rich, Charlie, and Gretchen. The 12th Street house was the center of family life and many remember how Fran and John made sure the house was open to guests, friends, and exchange students from all over the world.
Dad was born into the founder's family, and he appreciated that, but he was not a person to embrace decorum, ceremony, or convention. He had a pervasive sense of humor and never missed an opportunity to tell a joke or make a funny remark. He did not worry much about what people thought of him, and loved to wear something like his Newberry hat, or Paisley sport coat, and started the popular trend of the low hanging trousers. John married his high school sweetheart Frances Marjorie Hillebrands shortly after high school and enrolled in Hope College. He was a fifth generation student there. The college days were interrupted by the war and John enlisted in the Navy. After brief training in New York at Columbia University, John became a Radar man and was stationed in Scotland and England. His first son Jack was born during this time, and was two years old when John returned from the war. John returned to Holland to graduate from Hope College and join his father John in the family hardware store, T. Keppel's Sons Hardware. John K. became the fourth generation owner of the business and was eventually joined by Jack. John Keppel worked there over fifty years. Many will remember dad walking downtown, having coffee in Bunte's with the coffee group that lasted decades, or at the brickyard on 7th street. He was a fixture of downtown Holland, like his father before him. The blue eyes, disheveled hair, beard (maybe) and clothes that looked like they belonged on somebody else – and , of course, the smile.
Dad and mom were married for over sixty four years. In the summer the family went to the cottage on Lake Michigan, and often went up north to Birch Shores or to the Cabin with friends. How he loved the North Country, a place where he used to go every summer with his parents growing up! During the child rearing years our parents "had a ball" as mom would say with all the chaos and activity of kids. At the parties at 12th Street people often wondered who were the hosts, the kids or John and Fran. When there wasn't enough activity they brought in exchange students like Hans from Germany, Xavier from Mexico, Mary Jane from the Nethrlands, Brian Klienjans from Japan, and the boy who got busted for marijuana at Hope College.
John and Fran had many lifelong friendships, especially with Bill and Cleo Venhuizen and the "gang". In addition to family life, John and Fran enjoyed their friends, trips to Mexico, parties at the Yacht Club, a good cigarette (or two), and a cup of coffee (or two).
After dad retired, they moved to Saugatuck to enjoy bird watching on the river. They were devout members of Hope Church until they moved to Saugatuck where they joined the First Congregational Church. For the last 15 years John helped managed the finances for the First Congregational Church where he was proud to have started the honor system parking lot pay box. He was always interested in how much money he found in there, and people did pay. He was an optimist who trusted everyone.
John was a devout hobbyist with activities from raising chinchillas, to gardening, sailing, and collecting stamps, coins, baseball cards, and dogs. Dad was always ready for something new. We remember him on the lee side of the boat cranking in the winch with the water crashing over him and the kids yelled "faster, faster".
He loved the invention of the internet and became an avid internet user e- mailing friends, following the stock market, and keeping up on news. Later in life he took up cooking and relieved mom of her duties in the kitchen. His happiest times, however, seemed to be spent in the Greenhouse, up North, at Lake Michigan, on the river with mom, or sleeping on the couch.
John and Fran's long and devoted partnership ended when Fran died in May 2007 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Much of John's joy in life left with Fran's death and the need to give their dog Gino up for adoption.
John died peacefully Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at Resthaven Care Center. He was starting to struggle and his death came as a blessing with the loss. He was a kind and eccentric guy who loved to be different and was never judgmental about people. We will miss him, but he is where he needs to be -at peace and with Frances. We knew long ago that he hated funerals and he told us he would not be attending this one.
Surviving are his children, Jack and Jenny Vander Broek, Rich and Kathy Vander Broek, Charlie and Laura Vander Broek, Gretchen and Skip Williams; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. John is also survived by his cousins Helena Winter in Holland, and the Vander Broek cousins in Grand Rapids.
A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, 10:00a.m., at the First Congregational Church, 296 Hoffman St., Saugatuck. Officiating will be the Rev. Kenneth Vander Broek. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Visiting will be immediately following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, or to Resthaven Care Center.
Arrangements are by the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, www.lifestorynet.com.
Rev. Albertus Christiaan van Raalte & Christina Johanna DeMoen van Raalte
Great Grandson of:
A.C. van Raalte (1837–1869) & Helena Hoffman van Raalte
Grandson of:
Bastian Dirk Keppel & Anna Helena van Raalte Keppel
Son of:
John Vander Broek & Gertrude Christine Keppel Vander Broek.
John Keppel Vander Broek, was born in Holland, Michigan on April 16, 1922, the only child of Gertrude and John Vander Broek. As young child he moved with his parents into their new home at 40 East 12th Street next door to his grandparents Bastian Keppel and Anna Van Raalte Keppel. John lived on that block for over fifty years, eventually moving into his grandparent's house at 36 E 12th Street where he and his wife Frances raised their four children John Keppel II, (Jack), Rich, Charlie, and Gretchen. The 12th Street house was the center of family life and many remember how Fran and John made sure the house was open to guests, friends, and exchange students from all over the world.
Dad was born into the founder's family, and he appreciated that, but he was not a person to embrace decorum, ceremony, or convention. He had a pervasive sense of humor and never missed an opportunity to tell a joke or make a funny remark. He did not worry much about what people thought of him, and loved to wear something like his Newberry hat, or Paisley sport coat, and started the popular trend of the low hanging trousers. John married his high school sweetheart Frances Marjorie Hillebrands shortly after high school and enrolled in Hope College. He was a fifth generation student there. The college days were interrupted by the war and John enlisted in the Navy. After brief training in New York at Columbia University, John became a Radar man and was stationed in Scotland and England. His first son Jack was born during this time, and was two years old when John returned from the war. John returned to Holland to graduate from Hope College and join his father John in the family hardware store, T. Keppel's Sons Hardware. John K. became the fourth generation owner of the business and was eventually joined by Jack. John Keppel worked there over fifty years. Many will remember dad walking downtown, having coffee in Bunte's with the coffee group that lasted decades, or at the brickyard on 7th street. He was a fixture of downtown Holland, like his father before him. The blue eyes, disheveled hair, beard (maybe) and clothes that looked like they belonged on somebody else – and , of course, the smile.
Dad and mom were married for over sixty four years. In the summer the family went to the cottage on Lake Michigan, and often went up north to Birch Shores or to the Cabin with friends. How he loved the North Country, a place where he used to go every summer with his parents growing up! During the child rearing years our parents "had a ball" as mom would say with all the chaos and activity of kids. At the parties at 12th Street people often wondered who were the hosts, the kids or John and Fran. When there wasn't enough activity they brought in exchange students like Hans from Germany, Xavier from Mexico, Mary Jane from the Nethrlands, Brian Klienjans from Japan, and the boy who got busted for marijuana at Hope College.
John and Fran had many lifelong friendships, especially with Bill and Cleo Venhuizen and the "gang". In addition to family life, John and Fran enjoyed their friends, trips to Mexico, parties at the Yacht Club, a good cigarette (or two), and a cup of coffee (or two).
After dad retired, they moved to Saugatuck to enjoy bird watching on the river. They were devout members of Hope Church until they moved to Saugatuck where they joined the First Congregational Church. For the last 15 years John helped managed the finances for the First Congregational Church where he was proud to have started the honor system parking lot pay box. He was always interested in how much money he found in there, and people did pay. He was an optimist who trusted everyone.
John was a devout hobbyist with activities from raising chinchillas, to gardening, sailing, and collecting stamps, coins, baseball cards, and dogs. Dad was always ready for something new. We remember him on the lee side of the boat cranking in the winch with the water crashing over him and the kids yelled "faster, faster".
He loved the invention of the internet and became an avid internet user e- mailing friends, following the stock market, and keeping up on news. Later in life he took up cooking and relieved mom of her duties in the kitchen. His happiest times, however, seemed to be spent in the Greenhouse, up North, at Lake Michigan, on the river with mom, or sleeping on the couch.
John and Fran's long and devoted partnership ended when Fran died in May 2007 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Much of John's joy in life left with Fran's death and the need to give their dog Gino up for adoption.
John died peacefully Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at Resthaven Care Center. He was starting to struggle and his death came as a blessing with the loss. He was a kind and eccentric guy who loved to be different and was never judgmental about people. We will miss him, but he is where he needs to be -at peace and with Frances. We knew long ago that he hated funerals and he told us he would not be attending this one.
Surviving are his children, Jack and Jenny Vander Broek, Rich and Kathy Vander Broek, Charlie and Laura Vander Broek, Gretchen and Skip Williams; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. John is also survived by his cousins Helena Winter in Holland, and the Vander Broek cousins in Grand Rapids.
A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, 10:00a.m., at the First Congregational Church, 296 Hoffman St., Saugatuck. Officiating will be the Rev. Kenneth Vander Broek. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Visiting will be immediately following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, or to Resthaven Care Center.
Arrangements are by the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, www.lifestorynet.com.
Great Great grandson of:
Rev. Albertus Christiaan van Raalte & Christina Johanna DeMoen van Raalte
Great Grandson of:
A.C. van Raalte (1837–1869) & Helena Hoffman van Raalte
Grandson of:
Bastian Dirk Keppel & Anna Helena van Raalte Keppel
Son of:
John Vander Broek & Gertrude Christine Keppel Vander Broek.
John Keppel Vander Broek, was born in Holland, Michigan on April 16, 1922, the only child of Gertrude and John Vander Broek. As young child he moved with his parents into their new home at 40 East 12th Street next door to his grandparents Bastian Keppel and Anna Van Raalte Keppel. John lived on that block for over fifty years, eventually moving into his grandparent's house at 36 E 12th Street where he and his wife Frances raised their four children John Keppel II, (Jack), Rich, Charlie, and Gretchen. The 12th Street house was the center of family life and many remember how Fran and John made sure the house was open to guests, friends, and exchange students from all over the world.
Dad was born into the founder's family, and he appreciated that, but he was not a person to embrace decorum, ceremony, or convention. He had a pervasive sense of humor and never missed an opportunity to tell a joke or make a funny remark. He did not worry much about what people thought of him, and loved to wear something like his Newberry hat, or Paisley sport coat, and started the popular trend of the low hanging trousers. John married his high school sweetheart Frances Marjorie Hillebrands shortly after high school and enrolled in Hope College. He was a fifth generation student there. The college days were interrupted by the war and John enlisted in the Navy. After brief training in New York at Columbia University, John became a Radar man and was stationed in Scotland and England. His first son Jack was born during this time, and was two years old when John returned from the war. John returned to Holland to graduate from Hope College and join his father John in the family hardware store, T. Keppel's Sons Hardware. John K. became the fourth generation owner of the business and was eventually joined by Jack. John Keppel worked there over fifty years. Many will remember dad walking downtown, having coffee in Bunte's with the coffee group that lasted decades, or at the brickyard on 7th street. He was a fixture of downtown Holland, like his father before him. The blue eyes, disheveled hair, beard (maybe) and clothes that looked like they belonged on somebody else – and , of course, the smile.
Dad and mom were married for over sixty four years. In the summer the family went to the cottage on Lake Michigan, and often went up north to Birch Shores or to the Cabin with friends. How he loved the North Country, a place where he used to go every summer with his parents growing up! During the child rearing years our parents "had a ball" as mom would say with all the chaos and activity of kids. At the parties at 12th Street people often wondered who were the hosts, the kids or John and Fran. When there wasn't enough activity they brought in exchange students like Hans from Germany, Xavier from Mexico, Mary Jane from the Nethrlands, Brian Klienjans from Japan, and the boy who got busted for marijuana at Hope College.
John and Fran had many lifelong friendships, especially with Bill and Cleo Venhuizen and the "gang". In addition to family life, John and Fran enjoyed their friends, trips to Mexico, parties at the Yacht Club, a good cigarette (or two), and a cup of coffee (or two).
After dad retired, they moved to Saugatuck to enjoy bird watching on the river. They were devout members of Hope Church until they moved to Saugatuck where they joined the First Congregational Church. For the last 15 years John helped managed the finances for the First Congregational Church where he was proud to have started the honor system parking lot pay box. He was always interested in how much money he found in there, and people did pay. He was an optimist who trusted everyone.
John was a devout hobbyist with activities from raising chinchillas, to gardening, sailing, and collecting stamps, coins, baseball cards, and dogs. Dad was always ready for something new. We remember him on the lee side of the boat cranking in the winch with the water crashing over him and the kids yelled "faster, faster".
He loved the invention of the internet and became an avid internet user e- mailing friends, following the stock market, and keeping up on news. Later in life he took up cooking and relieved mom of her duties in the kitchen. His happiest times, however, seemed to be spent in the Greenhouse, up North, at Lake Michigan, on the river with mom, or sleeping on the couch.
John and Fran's long and devoted partnership ended when Fran died in May 2007 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Much of John's joy in life left with Fran's death and the need to give their dog Gino up for adoption.
John died peacefully Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at Resthaven Care Center. He was starting to struggle and his death came as a blessing with the loss. He was a kind and eccentric guy who loved to be different and was never judgmental about people. We will miss him, but he is where he needs to be -at peace and with Frances. We knew long ago that he hated funerals and he told us he would not be attending this one.
Surviving are his children, Jack and Jenny Vander Broek, Rich and Kathy Vander Broek, Charlie and Laura Vander Broek, Gretchen and Skip Williams; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. John is also survived by his cousins Helena Winter in Holland, and the Vander Broek cousins in Grand Rapids.
A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, 10:00a.m., at the First Congregational Church, 296 Hoffman St., Saugatuck. Officiating will be the Rev. Kenneth Vander Broek. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Visiting will be immediately following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, or to Resthaven Care Center.
Arrangements are by the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, www.lifestorynet.com.
Rev. Albertus Christiaan van Raalte & Christina Johanna DeMoen van Raalte
Great Grandson of:
A.C. van Raalte (1837–1869) & Helena Hoffman van Raalte
Grandson of:
Bastian Dirk Keppel & Anna Helena van Raalte Keppel
Son of:
John Vander Broek & Gertrude Christine Keppel Vander Broek.
John Keppel Vander Broek, was born in Holland, Michigan on April 16, 1922, the only child of Gertrude and John Vander Broek. As young child he moved with his parents into their new home at 40 East 12th Street next door to his grandparents Bastian Keppel and Anna Van Raalte Keppel. John lived on that block for over fifty years, eventually moving into his grandparent's house at 36 E 12th Street where he and his wife Frances raised their four children John Keppel II, (Jack), Rich, Charlie, and Gretchen. The 12th Street house was the center of family life and many remember how Fran and John made sure the house was open to guests, friends, and exchange students from all over the world.
Dad was born into the founder's family, and he appreciated that, but he was not a person to embrace decorum, ceremony, or convention. He had a pervasive sense of humor and never missed an opportunity to tell a joke or make a funny remark. He did not worry much about what people thought of him, and loved to wear something like his Newberry hat, or Paisley sport coat, and started the popular trend of the low hanging trousers. John married his high school sweetheart Frances Marjorie Hillebrands shortly after high school and enrolled in Hope College. He was a fifth generation student there. The college days were interrupted by the war and John enlisted in the Navy. After brief training in New York at Columbia University, John became a Radar man and was stationed in Scotland and England. His first son Jack was born during this time, and was two years old when John returned from the war. John returned to Holland to graduate from Hope College and join his father John in the family hardware store, T. Keppel's Sons Hardware. John K. became the fourth generation owner of the business and was eventually joined by Jack. John Keppel worked there over fifty years. Many will remember dad walking downtown, having coffee in Bunte's with the coffee group that lasted decades, or at the brickyard on 7th street. He was a fixture of downtown Holland, like his father before him. The blue eyes, disheveled hair, beard (maybe) and clothes that looked like they belonged on somebody else – and , of course, the smile.
Dad and mom were married for over sixty four years. In the summer the family went to the cottage on Lake Michigan, and often went up north to Birch Shores or to the Cabin with friends. How he loved the North Country, a place where he used to go every summer with his parents growing up! During the child rearing years our parents "had a ball" as mom would say with all the chaos and activity of kids. At the parties at 12th Street people often wondered who were the hosts, the kids or John and Fran. When there wasn't enough activity they brought in exchange students like Hans from Germany, Xavier from Mexico, Mary Jane from the Nethrlands, Brian Klienjans from Japan, and the boy who got busted for marijuana at Hope College.
John and Fran had many lifelong friendships, especially with Bill and Cleo Venhuizen and the "gang". In addition to family life, John and Fran enjoyed their friends, trips to Mexico, parties at the Yacht Club, a good cigarette (or two), and a cup of coffee (or two).
After dad retired, they moved to Saugatuck to enjoy bird watching on the river. They were devout members of Hope Church until they moved to Saugatuck where they joined the First Congregational Church. For the last 15 years John helped managed the finances for the First Congregational Church where he was proud to have started the honor system parking lot pay box. He was always interested in how much money he found in there, and people did pay. He was an optimist who trusted everyone.
John was a devout hobbyist with activities from raising chinchillas, to gardening, sailing, and collecting stamps, coins, baseball cards, and dogs. Dad was always ready for something new. We remember him on the lee side of the boat cranking in the winch with the water crashing over him and the kids yelled "faster, faster".
He loved the invention of the internet and became an avid internet user e- mailing friends, following the stock market, and keeping up on news. Later in life he took up cooking and relieved mom of her duties in the kitchen. His happiest times, however, seemed to be spent in the Greenhouse, up North, at Lake Michigan, on the river with mom, or sleeping on the couch.
John and Fran's long and devoted partnership ended when Fran died in May 2007 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Much of John's joy in life left with Fran's death and the need to give their dog Gino up for adoption.
John died peacefully Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at Resthaven Care Center. He was starting to struggle and his death came as a blessing with the loss. He was a kind and eccentric guy who loved to be different and was never judgmental about people. We will miss him, but he is where he needs to be -at peace and with Frances. We knew long ago that he hated funerals and he told us he would not be attending this one.
Surviving are his children, Jack and Jenny Vander Broek, Rich and Kathy Vander Broek, Charlie and Laura Vander Broek, Gretchen and Skip Williams; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. John is also survived by his cousins Helena Winter in Holland, and the Vander Broek cousins in Grand Rapids.
A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, 10:00a.m., at the First Congregational Church, 296 Hoffman St., Saugatuck. Officiating will be the Rev. Kenneth Vander Broek. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Visiting will be immediately following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, or to Resthaven Care Center.
Arrangements are by the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, www.lifestorynet.com.
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