February 4, 1948 – October 10, 2023
George Allan De Vries went home to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the age of 75. George was born in Chicago (Roseland), IL to George and Dorothy De Vries and was the oldest of three children. He graduated from Chicago Christian High School in 1965. He was a United States Army Veteran serving between the years of 1965-68 in Germany, as well in combat in Vietnam.
When stationed in Amburg, Germany he met the love of his life, Darlene. They were married on August 2, 1968, at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens, Fort Worth, TX. George and Darlene moved to Roseland and after seven years living in Glenwood, IL would eventually build their family home in Lansing, IL and would reside there for the next 38 years. Together, they raised three children in that home: Amber, George, and Matthew. In 2016, they settled in St. John, IN. They have celebrated 55 years together and enjoyed every moment with their 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
George retired from Waste Management in 2010 after over 40 years in the industry. He was a proud member of the Men of A-Chord Chorus for many years, member of the local VFW, a volunteer member of the Glenwood Fire Department and was a long-time member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church of Lansing and involved with the church’s choir and praise team over the years.
He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his big smile, and his love for his wife and family. He was loved by many and will be missed.
George is survived by his devoted wife Darlene (Edwards) and children Amber (Mark) Briggs of Soldotna, AK, George (Stacy) De Vries of John’s Creek, GA, and Matthew (Laurie) De Vries of West Fargo, ND and grandchildren Jewell (Scott), AJ, Dylan (Roxy), Jaide, Jared, Reagan, Owen, Ella, Deagan, Darcy, Brenna, and Molly and great-grandchildren Abigail and Ella, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents George and Dorothy De Vries, brother Cal De Vries, and sister Sandy Sperling.
Visitation Friday, October 20, 2023 from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN with services conducted by Rev. Dan Bloesch. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery – Elwood, IL. Memorial contributions may be given to Men of A-Chord. For more information, please call 219-322-7300
May George rest in peace. It was a joy to meet him, if only for a short while.
May God surround Darlene, family and friends with comfort and strength for the all the days to come until we are all reunited in the presence of the Lord.