October 16, 1935 – October 3, 2022

Al DeKam was called home the morning of October 3, 2022. A family graveside service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in Fremont, Mich.

Al was born October 16, 1935, to Elizabeth and Andrew De Kam of Sanborn, Iowa.  Al was the 2nd of 12 children and moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1954 to attend Calvin College. 

In 1957 Al married Arlene (Rensenbrink) De Kam.  After several years teaching in Doon, Iowa, (1958-1965) and adding three children to their home, Al and Arlene settled in Fremont so Al could teach at Fremont Christian School (1965-1991).  Their youngest child was born there. Arlene preceded him in death in 1975.  

Al was then married to Lorraine (Ekkel) De Kam.  They called Fremont home and were happily married for 46 years, sharing their love of writing, reading, and raising sheep. Even as Al’s vision diminished, Lorraine would often read out loud from a novel as they continued to share their love of literature. 

Al’s family will remember him as a lover of big stories and hard work.  With a twinkle in his eye and the hint of a smile, he would challenge the “norms” and enjoy discussing a variety of topics – sometimes changing sides partway through.

In 1991, Al and Lorraine started a sheep farm. Upon leaving education, Al would joke that he was really not changing careers, just becoming a different “type” of shepherd – of real sheep instead of children.  He then spent more than 12 years of his work life with his sheep farm – affectionately named Tekoa after Amos 1:1 and many more years fixing up and managing his rental properties.  He loved working in his shed and being outside, yet his most cherished work was accomplished in the classroom.

Al also served well at Trinity Christian Reformed Church as an elder, deacon, adult Sunday school teacher, member of the building committee and choir.  His love for Jesus and his church was a central focus of his life and shaped his way of living. 

Al is survived by his wife Lorraine; children and grandchildren:  Karolyn and Bob Jongsma and their children Laura (Ian), Megan, Kim (Gray); Ken DeKam; Beth and Randy McDonald and their children Rachel (Daryn), Elissa (Jarred), Kaitlyn (Dustin), Jennie (Sean); Dan and Arlene DeKam and their children Janneke (Matt), Henry, Anneliese, Karolyn, and Ellie.  They also have celebrated 14 great-grandchildren with 2 more due shortly! 

Al loved his siblings by birth and marriage. He is survived by Pete (Helene) DeKam, Jo Burgenmeyer, Jane Boehm, Judy (Bob) DeBoer, Will (Kathy) DeKam, Glenda (Charlie) Brouwer, Marilyn (Patrick) Bush, Ivan (Ebun) DeKam, Shirley (Gord) Sterk.

Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd…