Robert Andree

Gifted with a special rapport with children and exceptional teaching abilities, it is no surprise that Bob Andree’s profession was education. Bob was a natural teacher whether it was in the classroom or in the neighborhood teaching the kids how to ride a 2-wheeler! He was a 5th and 6th grade math teacher for 31 years at Holland Public Schools; his pupils numbered in the thousands. His teaching career included an adjunct professorship at Hope College in Education.

Bob was very involved in sports. In high school and college Bob was a superb athlete. He was a standout pitcher and basketball player. He was a pitcher on the all-city team for Grand Rapids and also pitched on the varsity team at Hope College. Later on, he played fast pitch and slow pitch softball on various teams. For seven years, Bob was the manager of Holland’s South Side Swim Club. He was also the first Holland High School Boys swimming and diving coach. In addition, he taught kids private swimming lessons in neighborhood pools.

A man of integrity, Bob had a strong faith and he lived it. He was very active at Christ Memorial Church in Holland for 38 years, and the Community Church of Douglas for 20 years. During these years he served as a consistory member, deacon, board member, personal committee member, Sunday School teacher, VBS volunteer, and youth mentor.

Bob was born on January 15, 1936 in Grand Rapids Michigan to Anne Lamper Andree and Arthur Andree. After completing his primary education, Bob graduated from Hope College, attended Calvin University, and earned his B.A. Bob married his college sweetheart, Mary K. Diephuis. Their children are Mark and Brenda Andree, Katie Blue, and Betsy and Bob Bruins. Their nine grandchildren are Jake, Molly, Izzy, and Victoria Blue, Noah and Drew Andree, and Anna, Becca and Grace Bruins.

Bob had a magnetic personality and he was fun to be with. He was a master storyteller, a raconteur… he enjoyed telling jokes to and playing jokes on family, friends, and students.

Traveling together as a family was very special to Bob and Mary K. They enjoyed Michigan, Canada, the Southwest, and Europe, and they enjoyed being Road Scholars (Elderhostel). Concerts, theater, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, skating, and swimming were their fare. Especially loved by Bob was picking apples and blueberries, and eating Michigan strawberries and sweet corn. He was much loved and will be missed by all!

A private Celebration of Life for immediate family will be held at Community Church of Douglas with Dr. Dan Miller officiating. Graveside burial for family and friends will be later in the spring. Please feel free to sign the guestbook, share a memory, or add a photo. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Bob’s name to the Porter Legacy Dunes through the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy at www.swmlc.org. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes-Mulder Chapel.