Donald DeKraker, 100, of Orland Park, Ill., formerly of Saugatuck and Holland, died Oct. 4, 2018.
He was the beloved husband of the late Lorraine (nee Hoelle); devoted father of Linda (Jack) Connors, Robert (Eileen) DeKraker and Laura (Morris) Threewitt; loving grandfather of Jay Connors, Holly (Gregg) Hall, Scott (Lynn), Andy (Cherise), and Jeff (Katie) Threewitt; cherished great-grandfather of Quinn, Lilah, Jackson, Everett, Grant and Grace; fond brother-in-law of Don Hoelle; and many nieces and nephews.
He served as a First Lt. of the United States Air Force in World War II as navigator of a B-24 Bomber. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart; a 1940 graduate of Hope College in Holland prior to enlisting in the Air Force; past-commander of the Bruner Frehse American Legion Post #137 in Saugatuck; and a member of the Johnson Phelps VFW Post 5220 of Oak Lawn, Ill.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Private interment was at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Honor Flight Chicago, 9701 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 310, Rosemont, IL 60018-4703 would be appreciated.
Arrangements were provided by Brady-Gill Funeral Home, www.bradygill.com.
.