The last living DeKorn (carrying the name) from the Boudewijn (1816-1873) and Johanna (Remijnse) (1817-1864) family has passed away at age 97.
Philip Eugene DeKorn was one of two children of Joseph DeKorn. Philip’s brother Richard died in 2004. Joseph, my grandfather’s uncle, took many of the photos I shared on this blog. Phil is the last of Kalamazoo contractor and brick mason Richard DeKorn’s grandchildren to pass.
I would like to share Phil’s obituary today because it shows he was one of the “Greatest Generation,” serving in WWII in the U.S. Navy. The obituary is available at this link.
DeKorn, Philip 8/4/1922 – 9/6/2019 Grand Rapids Philip Eugene DeKorn was born in the community of Fairview in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 4, 1922, the son of Joseph Peter and Christina (Blandford) DeKorn. He passed away September 6, 2019 at the age of 97. Philip attended and graduated from Fairview School, Union High School and Grand Rapids Junior College. On August 28, 1942, he enlisted in the US Navy during World War II. He took naval training at the US Naval Center, Great Lakes, IL and US Radar School at Virginia Beach, VA. He was then assigned to the USS Uhlmann (DD607) and served as a radar operator in CIC (Combat Information Center) until the end of World War II. CIC had direct radio and radar communication with other US Third Fleet ships. After World War II, he completed his college education and graduated from the University of Michigan School of Business Administration in 1950. He then worked as a sales representative for the Mennen Company and Revere Copper and Brass Inc. On January 5, 1968, Phil married Marianne Haadsma and they were together for almost 50 years. Marianne passed away October 2, 2017. Phil was also predeceased by his older brother, Richard B. DeKorn, who passed away on June 20, 2004. Phil is survived by his brother-in-law Roger Haadsma, his nieces and nephews and their families: Gayle (Jay) Polverelli, Jim (Luanne) Haadsma, Luanne (Larry) Dewey, Mari Dawley, Gail Sherry, Sue (Kjell) Haadsma-Svensson, Bob (Jen) Haadsma, Ken (Judy) Glupker, and Kathy (Ken) Basoff. The family would like to thank Theresa Johnson for all the special care she gave Phil throughout his final years. The family would also like to thank Gloria from Kindred Hospice for her caring work. The family will greet relatives and friends Monday, September 9, 2019 at the Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Funeral services will follow at 12:00. Inurnment will be at Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorials can be made to the General Fund at First Reformed Church, Holland Michigan or Kindred Hospice, Grand Rapids. To share a photo, memory and sign the online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.comPublished in Grand Rapids Press on Sept. 8, 2019
Like his father before him, Phil graduated from the University of Michigan. Although he never had children, Phil still had a close family through the members of his wife Marianne’s family and through his brother Richard’s family.
Rest in peace, Philip Eugene DeKorn. Thank you for your service, sir.
Phil DeKorn at the plaque for the Kalamazoo State Hospital water tower built by his grandfather Richard DeKorn
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As a side note, you can see that two of Phil’s nieces are named Luanne, spelling it correctly as I do . . . .
In case you wonder how I go about deciding when to post a recent passing on my blog, all I can tell you is I decide on a case by case basis. When my father died, I posted because so many knew he had been sick for months and it seemed strange not to say anything. But during the past few years I have also lost two dear aunts and a cousin, and I did not post about these because their deaths were more sudden and shocking. Our grief, individually and as a family, felt too raw to write about them so soon.
Here are a few more photos of a day Phil spent with his wife Marianne and his cousin’s children, my mom Janet, my father Rudy, Uncle Don, and Aunt Jean at the water tower.
Don, Jean, Phil, Marianne, Rudy, Janet
The following (sorry it’s angled) shows a layout of the hospital with the water tower in the center. I will have to ask Uncle Don or Mom to chime in here. Is that how the layout really was at one time? It looks like the classic “Panopticon” that Michel Foucault wrote about–a tall tower to watch the prisoners, er, patients. But as we know this is a water tower, not meant to be a guard tower.
The Family Kalamazoo 
Nice job!
Sent from my iPad
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Thank you. Do you know if that picture of the water tower surrounded by buildings is how it really looked or if it was an idea of how it would eventually look (and didn’t)?
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Grandpa’s cousin. Condolences to all of the family and friends.
Thank you, Cathy, on behalf of all family and friends.
As a side note (to use your words), how can Luanne be spelled wrong?
Well, you know I am only half-kidding ;). So many spell it Lou Ann or Luann or LouAnne. But it seems as if in the Midwest it is more often Luanne.
I can‘t tell you how times I‘ve had my name spelled with a K. 🤨
I am so sorry, Luanne. He sounds like a remarkable person who lived a good and very long life. My sincere condolences.
Thank you Amy on behalf of the whole family.
It is sad news but at least you are keeping the memory alive for generations to come. Thank you for posting about his life. You posting about his life is no different than his obit published on the local newspaper letting all the people in the community that he is gone and giving some information about his life. Your blog goes out to the people in the genealogy community who do not have access to the local newspaper and we would also like to know about his life. I think it is nice that your family has you to remember each and everyone of the precious family members and you do not have to explain, at least to me, why you posted it.
Thank you, Jose. I appreciate that. I love what you wrote here.
My condolences Luanne.
Thank you, Su. Much appreciated.
Sorry to hear of your loss. That’s quite an unusual water tower.
Thank you, Eilene.
The water tower is very unique, and I think it’s interesting that it shares similarities with towers in prisons. The shape of the windows, for instance. It does make me wonder if it could have had a side purpose of monitoring the grounds. I hope I’m not being dramatic by considering that.
It’s certainly something to consider. Perhaps there are records somewhere that might shed light on it.
I’ve never seen a water tower like that.
Yes, it’s quite unique, I think. But it does remind me of the old-fashioned prison watchtowers.
Yes, I can see that.
A remarkable life. His life and service needs to be kept alive.
Thank you so much, Joy. I agree with you so much!
My condolences for your loss, Luanne.
Clare, thank you so much–on behalf of the whole family!
My pleasure, Luanne.
So sorry for your loss. You did a great tribute.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your comment!
Sending sincere condolences from over here.
While we celebrate the life of newly deceased long-lived, there is still sadness for the loss of sweetness gone by.
He made his mark
It is so sad to lose a family member, and doubly so when he has lived so long, seen so many changes, and has a wealth of knowledge that now no longer can be shared. Cling to your memories of him.
What a truly American story of a life well lived – I miss this generation. I feel very disappointed that our generation seemed to lack something basic in our lives – the focus on family, placing a higher value on material possessions than ideas, I don’t know…just something we fundamentally lack.
Hi Luanne ~ looking through my spam folder I found your posting. What a beautiful tribute Philip. I am glad I found this and am able to send a hello and so sorry for your recent loss of such a wonderful family member … hugs Luanne