Lois Poel

Age 80, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, at Holland Home – Breton Woods in Kentwood, Michigan. She was born on August 31, 1945, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to John James and Florence (Hoving) DeKruyter.

Lois graduated from Calvin College with a bachelor's degree in teaching and went on to dedicate much of her life to serving others both professionally and personally. Over the years, she worked as a teacher at South Christian Elementary, Neiboer Heating and Cooling, Kalamazoo Radiology, and Kalamazoo Endodontics. She was also a devoted volunteer at Second Impressions and Kalamazoo Christian Schools Association.

On June 18, 1969, Lois married James Gary Poel, and together they shared 40 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2009. Lois was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose life was centered around faith, family, and community.

Lois was a longtime and active member of Grace Christian Reformed Church, where she found joy in volunteering and participating in church activities. She was known for her warm personality, social spirit, and wonderful sense of humor, always able to laugh at herself and bring joy to those around her. Lois loved attending her children and grandchildren's sporting events, cheering on the Detroit Tigers, cooking and baking for loved ones, reading, traveling, and staying active.

She is survived by her children, Joel Poel, Kara Poel, and Marc (Jamie) Poel; her grandchildren, Alexis and Delainey Poel; her brother, James (Barbara) DeKruyter; her sister, Ruth (Rick) Ekkens; in-laws, Mary Jo Poel, Joyce (Glen) Walstra, and Marilyn (Paul) Braman; step-siblings, Tom Reminga, Sue Annen, and Mary Thatcher; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James G. Poel; her parents; her father and mother in-law, Andrew and Gertrude Poel; her stepmother, Daisy DeKruyter; and her brother-in-law, Robert Poel.

A funeral service to celebrate Lois's life will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Grace Christian Reformed Church 1724 Whites Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Private Interment will be at Genessee Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 3926 South 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009 and one hour prior to the service at church. Friends and family may leave a condolence message online at www.langelands.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Christian Schools Association (https://kcsa.org/give/) or Holland Home – Resident Assistance (https://hollandhome.org/donate/).