Mrs. DeKorne, I grew up remembering the kindness you and your husband showed to my family after my dad passed away unexpectedly when I was seven.  You both were God's hands and feet to my mom and her two boys.  

I remember going with my mom to the store on Plainfield and her being told to pick out whatever furniture she needed for our house.  She still has the end tables to this day.  

I remember coming to your house on Meadowfield and being drawn to the "something" that was present there.  I now know that something was the fragance of Christ.  I also remember the grace that was shown when I had to return and face you with the Matchbox car I had "borrowed". :)

As a business owner myself now I think back to the example Mr. DeKorne set when I was a child.  

And I thank God that your family chose to walk with mine all those years ago. 

Blessings,
Kent Selders (formerly Kent Baldwin)

Dear Betsy and family,
John and I offer our sincere christian condolences in the passing of Jack.  I remember him as a caring man who reached out to me, especially in my widowhood, and made life a little easier to bear.  He invited me to come to one of his "garage sales" at his Plainfield store and pick out what I needed for my house at no cost to me.  I went home with drapes and living room tables and it blessed me greatly!!!  You invited me and my boys to supper several times so they could have a meal with a man at the table.  They still remember coming to your house.  God Bless You in this time of grief.  Jerri (Baldwin) Selders

Uncle Jack always seemed a heroic figure to me when I was a child --so big, strong, and full of life.  When later I got to know him as an adult, I discovered also how intelligent and interested in everything he was.  We used to chat about the challenges of running a small business, computers, and everything under the sun.  

But my most vivid memory of Uncle Jack will always be of him leading a hymn sing one evening at the Glen Lake church.  In his enthusiasm, he somehow managed to get his necktie back over his shoulder.  From the audience, Aunt Betsy made little, secret gestures of pulling it down to him.  But he was far too carried away by the moment to notice.  That's how I will always remember him: his tie flung back over his shoulder, full of joyous enthusiasm for the music he was leading us in making.

I had the privilege of working for and with Jack in his business for 17 years. He was always a Christian gentleman in all aspects of the business, both with associates and patrons of the stores. He conducted both his professional and private life in a manner that exuded a trustworthiness and sincere, caring attitude.

I also was privileged to serve with Jack in Westview Church Council and various committees, and always greatly appreciated his wisdom and keen insight generated by his deep love for the Kingdom of God. 

Although he was not (quite) perfect, he stood out among men in his abilities and I am blessed to have learned from him as well as having him as a personal friend.

A mighty oak has fallen but his legacy lives on in the beautiful family he and Betsy, with God's help, have nurtured. We thank God for Jack and this family.

Dear DeKorne Family:
It was with a great deal of sadness that I read of the passing of one of the Great Furniture men of Grand Rapid this past week. Please know that everyone in the Hekman Family shares in your loss.  I now that both my father & grandfather in all probability had occasion to meet with and know the kind of fine furniture man Jack DeKorne was.  I know that I did when I met him.  Although I never had the opportunity to call DeKorne’s a customer, I was always impressed with the way Mr. DeKorne ran his store and obviously so was Ethan Allen.  My father Gabe Hekman also had a great deal of respect for Jack and would often tell me more furniture retailers needed to be like him and run their stores like he did. 
I would have loved to have paid my respects in person, but I have had some heath issues come to me that have not allowed me to drive, and this is why you are receiving this letter. Please forgive me for not seeing you in person.
Once again please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your lose and be assured you are in our prayers. 
Sincerely yours,

Charles Hekman & 
Hekman family

Thank you, Jack DeKorne and family, for sharing your witness and testimony for the Lord in action through the daily work activity at DeKorne Furniture. I was fortunate to have been employed part-time at your family business during my high school and college days, and treasure the acquaintances and friendships made over those years. Your examples of professionalism, integrity, caring and generosity made the whole environment feel like family! I am also happy to have known Joanie since high school days, and look forward to connecting again very soon. All of your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during these days, that you will all be carried in the Shepherd Lord's everlasting and comforting arms, until the day we are all reunited with Jack in Glory! Wishing you His blessings -- from "the other Joan"

Thank you, Jack DeKorne and family, for sharing your witness and testimony in action in the daily work environment at DeKorne Furniture. While in high school and college I was fortunate to have this part-time employment at your store, and greatly treasure the acquaintances and friendships made with you and your employees over the years. It was like family! The values of professionalism, caring, and integrity were so apparent in your work ethic. I am also so happy to know Joanie from high school days on, and look forward to connecting with you very soon. May the Lord whom we love carry you all in His everlasting arms until we are all reunited in Glory! Wishing you His blessings in these days and always -- love from "the other Joan"

DeKorne Family, I only worked for your company on 28th St for a short time but I remember your mom and dad so well and had a lot of respect for them both.  I enjoyed it when they would come in for a visit.  They were wonderful and I know you will all miss your dad, but he has reached his final goal and is resting in peace.  What a blessing to all that have had the privilege to know him.  My prayer are with all of you at this time.

Dear DeKorne Family
Our prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of Jack in your lives, and yet celebrate the legacy he left. His desire to see God's Kingdom work extended has been an encouragement to us as we carry out the ministry of CRWRC. 
Unfortuneately I have been out of Michigan during this time, but please know my prayer has been that you feel the comfort God gives through His Spirit and through the Church body.
Blessings,
Andrew Ryskamp, CRWRC

Jim & Greta, I'm sorry for your loss & that I didn't make it to visit.  Prayers are with the family! XO

Jack & Wilma & family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time.  Cherish your father's memory and he will always be with you.  May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you comfort.
Your friends, Diane and Bookie Jenkins

My sympathy to the family.  I'm praying for you.  I did not know Jack well but did appreciate his leading a couple of services at Yorkshire/Stonebridge Manors last Spring.    He was a willing servant of God. 

Rick Kiekintveld
Chaplain
Baruch Senior Ministries

Dear Betsy and family-Just wanted you to know that Irene and I express our sincere sympathy and will certainly keep you in our prayers. So many fond memories, especially Choraliers. I'm so grateful to still be a part of it. The Lord has blessed me with a good voice. Love ya--Marve & Irene Veltkamp

Dear Joan,
So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.  I will fondly remember his thumb wave at the old Civic Auditorium at our Messiah performances.  What a happy man he was.  I lost my Dad almost 2 years ago now and not a day goes by that I don't remember him and thank God for a godly heritage.  May you, too, have wonderful memories! I hope you are doing well.  It's been a long time.

Blessings to you and your family, Linda Roedema Breen

Besty and Family- Edith and I wish to extend our condolences in your loss of a wonderful Husband and Father We had the great honor of knowning Jack and you. May it bring you comfort to know that nothing can diminish the wonderful ways Jack touched many lives.  
" Take comfort in knowing that there is a special guardian angel in Heaven watch over you"
Our Prayers are with you and your families -God hold you in his arms.

Dear Betsy, Jack, Dale, Dave, and DeKorne family,
It was sad to hear of Jacks' sudden death. I'm sure it has been difficult for you. Yet we know that he is at peace. My sincere condolences to you.

Dear DeKorne Family, 
I'm so sorry to hear of Jack's passing.  He was a wonderful person and will be sadly missed.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Betsy, children and grandchildren. Lois and I express our sincerest condolences to you in your loss of Jack. He was a wise, even-handed chairman of the Calvin board and a dedicated, exemplary church leader. Working with him was a joy and privilege. May God sustain all of you in your deep loss.  James A. De Jong (retired president, Calvin Seminary)

Dear Betsy We want to express our Christian smpathy to you and your family. You had a long Mariage wih Jack-you must have gotten married the same year we did---1948?Love   Emo and Betty Winkle

Terri and I both extend our deepest sympathy to the entire family.  We both always enjoyed being with your family and appreciated the hospitality that you extended on special occasions when we were able to get together.  We know how difficult it is to lose someone so dearly loved and pray that you will rest in God's grace and mercy.  Our thoughts and our prayers are with you

Aunt Betsy,
Know that you and the family are in our prayers. What great memories we all have of Uncle Jack.

John, Robin, Andrew, and Rachel Quackenbush

Dear Betsy and family...PRAISING GOD FOR JACK'S INCREDIBLE LIFE lived out for Jesus!  We love you and rejoicing that Jack is breathing CELESTIAL AIR in the presence of His Savior and Lord!

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus."

--1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Jack was a Man who shared his faith in Christ with His life. Deepest Sympathy to You Besty and Children as You press on in faith and hope in your love for Lord Jesus Christ who comforts your in this time of sorrow  for losing a Loving Husband, Father and Grandpa from this earth only for a time who  is asleep in Jesus~ till you met again in Heaven ?

Jack and Wilma, 
We wish to extend our sympathy in the passing of your dear father.  What a blessing he must have been.  We always enjoyed making purchases at the Kalamazoo DeKorne's Ethan Allen furniture.  We miss having you in Kalamazoo, Jack and Wilma.
May God comfort you in this time of grieving.
Gary and Nancy Schripsema

Dear Betsy,
I was so surprised to hear from Helen this morning of Jack's sudden passing.  It's just a few weeks ago you were in church here and undertook a big road trip to Pennsacola!  How suddenly life can change!  Please know that our prayers and sincere sympathy are with you and your family.  We will remember Jack as a congenial friend with a ready smile and warm greetings whenever we encountered him.

Dear Betsy and family,
  Our hearts and prayers go out to you for our loss. Jack was such an inspiration and a true role model for us. We will greatly miss our mentor and friend. He taught us so much over the years.  Betsy, we love you and enjoy being around you and your whole family.  Take care and GOD bless!  Love from friends, Cheryl and Bill

Dear Jack, Wilma and Family/Betsy and family:

We want to extend our sympathy to you and let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers.  Love, Hank & Nellie Kroeze  Kalamazoo, MI

Dear Betsy and family, we are keeping all of you very close in our thoughts and in our prayers...........Paul and Betsy Greenwald

BETSY AND FAMILY, I EXTEND MY SYMPATHY AND EXPRESS APPRECIATION FOR THE YEARS I ASSOCIATED WITH THE DE KORNE FAMILY.  IT STARTED WITH LEWIS ABOUT 60 YEARS AGO.  WE CAN THANK GOD THAT JACK DID NOT HAVE A LONG PERIOD OF SUFFERING.

Korn, Jack, Dale, Jim, Joan, and Big Dave....my thoughts and prayers....what an awesome husband and dad.  Thank you for sharing him with all the Meadowfield kids.  May God Bless each of you and may you feel Gods hugs.

Dear Betsy, I am sorry to hear of your loss.  Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Helen E King - 2nd cousin to Jack

Dear Betsy, Sorry to hear of your loss.  Thoughts and prayers to your family.  Helen E King, 2nd cousin to Jack

We are sorry to hear of Jack's passing.  In the few short years since we were lucky to meet Jack and Betsy we quickly recognized a real gentleman, a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather.  He will be missed by all who knew him.  Especially his friends at Glen Lake.  God bless you, Jack!  The Fairfield's

Betsy, we are thinking and praying for you and your family, may you know that one precious life made a difference, May God give you the strength you need to get through this difficult time. ---Sincerely, Randy & Darlene Smith

Joanie, Our prayers are with you and your family. Carol Parker and family

Dearest Betsy & family
Our hearts are broken that Jack has left this earthly home but rejoice that he is now in his eternal home. We give praise and thanksgiving for his life and example of being holy. What a wonderful man God put on this earth to leave footprints on the hearts of so many. Our love continues both in heaven and here for you, his family.
Love,
Tom & Betsy Ludwick

OBITUARY

Jack Melvin DeKorne

March 8, 1923 – January 9, 2011

Reyers North Valley Chapel

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