Robert John DeVries, 84

Published 5:11 am Sunday, March 26, 2017

Robert John DeVries, 84, of Fridley, Minnesota, and father of Lynn Astrup of Austin, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on March 19, 2017, after battling cancer.

Robert John DeVries

Bob loved spending time with his immediate and extended family at the lake home that he and his family built on Big Trout Lake in Crosslake, Minnesota; he also loved talking about growing up in Morrison (“Paradise”), making people laugh, and playing with the family dogs. He was proud that he still holds records in high school football, basketball, and track, and that he earned many awards into his 80s at the Minnesota Senior Games. His unique sense of humor, easy going nature, love of life, and care and concern for others will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by his loving wife Jan of 59 years; devoted daughters, Lynn (Chris Astrup) and Laurie (Ric Proulx); five grandchildren, Hayley (Tony Post), Jessica (Nick Ehret), Bob (fiancee Kelsey Beebe), Jake, and Tanner; and three great-grandchildren (Asher, Isla, and Ines). Also survived by brothers-in-law Whitey Nelson (Shirley), John Vandermyde (Darlene), Olley Frederick (Mary), Don St. Germain, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, John and Alice DeVries of Morrison, Illinois; and sisters, Darlene, Lavonne, and Janey.

A Celebration of Life for Bob will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 6, at Peace Church, 5050 Hodgson Rd., Shoreview, Minnesota. Friends may call on the family during a visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6, also at Peace Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Pet Haven of Minnesota (pethavenmn.org), Peace Church (peaceumc.com), Minnesota Senior Games (mnseniorgames.com) or Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org/mnnd).