My friend and brother-in-Christ, Paul De Graaf will always be remembered for his kindness and empathy to those too weak or incapable of doing for themselves.  I being one of  “those people” when it came to my house.  Paul changed the locks to every exterior door on my house to know my family was out of harms way. He painted the highest, most dangerous areas of my house and kinda falling off the ladder ( thank God he was ok)! The  basement of my house flooded twice in less than 10 years and there he was to help! On one of those occasions his son, Doug, answered his father’s call and worked endless hours to empty  my basement from the gallons of water.  And on another occasion his son-in-law answered the call to assist and drove from Lansing to Holland to deliver a professional sub-pump that worked quickly.  These calls to actions were not for me but spoke volumes on how they honored Paul, their dad.

I was blessed to have his baby daughter, Lori, as our own in marriage to my oldest son, Darrell.  Paul was a genuine mentor and a great example to all my sons and treated my daughter as his own.

 

Yes, we were invited to Sunday dinner and marveled at all the delicious food served in style. What character Paul demonstrated as the head of his family, this is resounded in example.  From his wife to each of his children, the whole family is hard working like their father.  A man who honored God in life and now in eternity and I know I’ll see my brother-in Christ again in Heaven. 

Stella Castaneda (Sandusky)-Sanders

I'll never forget meeting Mr. De Graaf when I was only 5 years old. He towered tall above me. With his booming voice and a smile he said, "Nice to meet you, Kim". From then on it was like I was a member of the family. I was always welcomed in the De Graaf house -  playing in the back yard, swimming in the pool, eating Sunday dinners, playing "town" in the basement, watching TV shows I wasn't allowed to at home, learning to talk over the CB radio, eating out on Friday nights at Russ'... Mr. De Graaf's generosity extended as far as taking me on family vacations! Even when Lori and I almost missed getting back on the cruise ship in Cancun when we were 18, (Mr. De Graff was not happy) he still forgave us and I was eventually back in his good graces. From almost my earliest memories, Mr. De Graaf was there. I will always remember him as strong, big-hearted  family man who took me in as just one more De Graaf kid. He will be fondly remembered and sincerely missed. I will be forever grateful for his kindness. I wish his entire family peace during this time and fond memories to comfort them, especially my dear "sister" Lori. 


Grandpa, we had so many amazing memories together. There were so many times that I felt so, so safe around you. You made me so happy. I loved spending time with you and I don’t usually like doing things like that with people when I was younger because I was afraid to trust in people but I trusted you, very quickly! Every time you smiled at me it would make my day. It was nice to know that you were happy before things came to an end -  I remember my mother crying so much because she loved and wanted to take care of you.  I remember all of us kids would come to visit you in the home as soon as you got there and how much time passed it’s crazy and now that your gone, I don’t even know what to say - I think all I can say is that my time with you, the time we spent together in life is UNFORGETABLE.  Even though you are not here physically on earth, it’s not the end it’s just the beginning, for you.

I hope you are feeling ok and know that I love you very much and remember your will not to be forgotten because every little and big thing you did for my family will always be remembers.  You brought joy to everyone around you. Even when you were grumpy, you still somehow managed to keep your cool around me and I love you for that.  The last time we all sang to you and you saw Mariela and your eyes opened  - my heart was getting me &  I couldn’t hold back the tears -  it was too much but now that I think about it: your safe now, your free of the drama and God  loves you and I love you too.
Take good care of him up there!

Love, Akeelah Sanudsky

I was Carol Taylor who grew up a few doors down on 14th Street.
I used to babysit the girls and attended Central Ave. CRC also.
My sympathy to Shirley and all the family in Paul's passing. I know it was quite a struggle for him (am also a nurse at Holland Hospital) and pray God will be rich in grace and mercy to you all as you proceed on with your lives.
I was not able to attend the visitation though I would have desired to convey my sympathy in person.

 Visitation

Celebration of Life

Paul is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley (Nagelkerk); children Diane De Graaf, Pam (Ron) Carrier, Nancy (Dan) De Jonge, Doug (Tanja) DeGraaf, Lori (Darrell) Sandusky, April (Ron) Achterhof; 

Grandchildren, Sara (Chris) Mosser, Megan (Steven) Miller, Alexander Totten, Chris (Jessica Slocum) Carrier, Ryan (Jordan) Carrier, Patrick Carrier, Nathan (Madalyn) De Jonge, Emma (Christopher) Chegash, Ashton DeGraaf, Autumn DeGraaf, Paul Sandusky, Roth Sandusky, Kaela Sandusky, Akeelah Sandusky, Amanda (Adam) Eaton, Dan (Brie) Achterhof; great grandchildren Payton Mosser, Mia Mosser, Nora Miller, Marelia S. Sandusky, Austin, Sidney, and Savannah Eaton, and Hayden Achterhof; many extended family and friends.

OBITUARY

Paul LeRoy DeGraaf

August 21, 1938 – July 20, 2019

Lakeshore Memorial Services

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