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Edgar DeGraaf

April 18, 2022
Portage, MI

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DeGraaf, Edgar J. 5/3/1937 - 4/18/2022 Portage Edgar J. (Ed) DeGraaf, age 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 18, 2022, at Rose Arbor Place hospice facility in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born on May 3, 1937, to Evert and Wilma (VanderWilk) DeGraaf in Holland, MI. Ed graduated from Richland High School in 1955 and spent the majority of his career as a terminal manager in the trucking industry. In his early retirement years, he worked as a dealer trade driver at Zeigler Auto Group before fully retiring. In retirement, Ed enjoyed spending time with his wife, his children and could often be found at his grandchildren's sporting events as one of their biggest supporters! He also loved going to Chicago Cubs baseball games and cheering on his beloved Michigan State Spartans! On November 23, 1957, Ed married the love of his life, Dorie (VanOstran) DeGraaf, who survives. In addition to Dorie, his wife of nearly 65 years, Ed is survived by his children Angela DeGraaf, Dana Erb, Michael (Lisa) DeGraaf, Edward (Lee) DeGraaf and Michelle (Barry) Gray, as well as his brother, brother Kenneth (Mary) DeGraaf. Ed is also survived by his 19 grandchildren Michael, Amanda and Sierra Scoffin, Jason (Amalie) Collins, Joshua (Eric) Collins, Dustin Chen, Renee, Derek and Gina DeGraaf, Miranda (James) Glascock, Blaine Webster, Karen, Paul (Nicole) and Kenneth DeGraaf, Zachary Schwartz, Lauren and Michael Gray and Ali and Rylie Sanderson as well as 5 great-grandchildren. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Evert and Wilma DeGraaf, and his brothers, William (Janice) and Richard (Linda) DeGraaf. It was Ed's wish not to have a formal funeral service, but he will be honored by his close family with a Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, if you'd like to honor Ed, the family has requested donations be made to Rose Arbor Place, c/o Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, where Ed spent his final days and received incredible care and compassion by the staff.