Mr. Philip DeHeer

July 6, 2020 - October 22, 2020

Mr. Philip DeHeer age 100, of Grand Rapids passed away peacefully on Thursday October 22, 2020. He was preceded in death by Joanne DeHeer, his wife of 68 years. He is survived by his daughter Adriana (Jay) Kilpatrick; son, Paul DeHeer (Debbie); grandchildren, Erin (Ian) Wade, Ryan (Amber) Kilpatrick; great grandchildren Kaz and Kees Wade, Henri and Benjamin Kilpatrick. Born in Papendrecht, Netherlands on July 6, 1920, Philip became a highly skilled wood worker and was employed designing and crafting interiors for cruise ships. When Germany occupied the Netherlands in 1940, he was either to be conscripted into the German military or sent to a labor camp. Instead, he opted to become part of the underground resistance and evaded capture for the duration of the occupation. After the war, he and Joanne were married and eventually they decided to immigrate to America with their infant daughter. Philip began working in the local furniture industry and eventually advanced to be part of senior management at Hekman Furniture. He also enjoyed making fine furniture as a hobby and his handiwork will be appreciated by friends and family for years to come. Philip’s family will hold a private memorial.