Raul Vela Sr.

Raul Vela Sr., age 54, of Holland, passed away Friday, July 11, 2025. It's hard to believe he's gone. He was more than just a friend; he was like a father to so many of us. I'll always remember him as the biggest Detroit Lions fan, always decked out in Honolulu blue. And who could forget his chicken? It was legendary! He had a way of taking people under his wing, making everyone feel like they belonged. Sure, he could be a bit of a grump sometimes, but he was always there when you needed him. His love for movies was infectious, and he always knew how to make us laugh, even if his jokes were a little off-color. He was simply one of a kind, and we'll all miss him dearly. Raul is survived by his father Rodolfo, preceded in death by Minerva, brothers Rudy, Joseph, Frank, wife of 33 years Sylvia Vela, daughters Christina, Victoria, Sarina, and son Raul Jr, daughter-law Abbie, grandchildren Angel, Marcquis, Anthony lll, Raul lll, Isaiah, Isabella, Aria, and many more are heartbroken by this loss. A visitation will be held from 4-6 pm, Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Dykstra Funeral Home-Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street.