Lawrence Wayne Van Duyn

Lawrence Wayne Van Duyn was born on April 1, 1946, to Adolph and Anna Van Duyn.  He lived in Colton, South Dakota until he moved to California at the age of 6.  He attended Valley Christian School in Bellflower and graduated in 1964.  After being drafted, he entered the United States Army at the age of 20 and was stationed in Germany where he served for two years as a heavy vehicle driver.  He also escorted dignitaries in Brussels for the NATO conference in 1967.  

    After completing his service in the army, Larry returned to California.  He began installing carpet in the Walnut Creek area where he met Joan Van Hofwegen.  After a few dates over the summer, Larry followed Joan to Michigan when she returned to college for her junior year.  They were married on January 3, 1969, and continued living in Michigan until Joan graduated college. 

    In June of 1970, Larry and Joan moved to Walnut Creek, and Larry began working for Joan’s dad, John Van Hofwegen, as a property manager. In October of that year, Cynthia Lynn was born. A little less than two years later, Debra Ann was born in July of 1972.  In March of 1976, Michael John was added to the family. The family was completed in December of 1978 with the birth of Barbara Joan.  During this time, Larry continued working with the family business. In 1998, his first two grandchildren were born.  Eleven more grandchildren were added to his family over the next sixteen years.  In 1999, Larry and Joan moved to Manteca where he continued his work. He retired at the age of 64 and later moved to Ripon. 

    Although he always said, “Work is fun,”  Larry enjoyed many different activities.  He had a cabin and boat at Lake Berryessa and spent hours teaching kids to “Lean back and let the boat pull you up!” as they learned to waterski.  Each winter, Larry’s family went snow skiing near Lake Tahoe with several other families.  Larry also enjoyed playing church league basketball and softball as well as taking time to play basketball, catch, or a game of cards with his kids at home.  However, Larry’s favorite activity was golf.  After his retirement, Larry golfed almost every weekday!  He also really enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attended games, graduations, and other activities.  

     The most important thing to Larry was building his relationship with God and raising his children in the faith.  He regularly attended church and led family devotions each night at the dinner table. He served as a deacon once and several times as an elder at his church in Walnut Creek.  He was also active on the school board of Contra Costa Christian School where his children attended.  Larry’s favorite psalm was Psalm 139, and during the last week of his life, he rested in the knowledge that he was going Home and eagerly awaited his homecoming.  

    Larry is survived by his wife Joan, his children Cindy (Bill) Kamps, Deb (Simon) de Jong, Michael (Karena) Van Duyn, and Barbara (Larry) Zylstra.  He is also survived by his brothers Harold (Helen-deceased), Lloyd  (DeAnna), and Ralph (Sheri).  His grandchildren include William and Michael Kamps; Joshua, Annetta, Ella, Simon, and Johanna de Jong; Madelyn, Makayla, and Jack Van Duyn; and Jacob, John, and Josiah Zylstra.  He also was an uncle to over 30 nephews and nieces, whom he loved and enjoyed spending time with.  He was preceded in death by his parents Adolph and Anna Van Duyn.