Kraai, Robert L.

Robert L. Kraai, age 88 of Fremont, passed away Sunday morning, March 26, 2006 at the Transitional Health Services in Fremont.  Bob was born on April 9, 1917 in Holland to Albert and Gertrude (Weighmink) Kraai and later married Magdaline Meeuwsen on June 19, 1943 in Grand Forks, South Dakota.  Bob attended Hope College, Western Michigan University where he received his Bachelors of Arts Degree.  He later received his Masters Degree from the University of Michigan and had also been a Ford Foundation Scholar at the University of New Mexico.  Bob moved to the Fremont area in 1947 and began his teaching career with the Fremont Public Schools as a high school teacher, later became the assistant principle at the high school and moved to the Fremont Middle School when the building was built and served as principal until his retirement in 1980 after 34 years.  He had also been Director of the Newaygo County Veterans Institute, served as curriculum coordinator and transportation manager while at Fremont schools.  Bob was an avid reader, enjoyed stamp and coin collecting, served on the Fremont Library Board and volunteer for many years.  Bob was a member of the First Reformed Church in Fremont and had served in the United States Air Force during World War II. 

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Magdaline of Fremont; his children, Scott Kraai of Greenville; Todd (Debra) Kraai of New Era; Tam (Mike) Tubergen of Fremont; his grandchildren, Robin (Bo) Vechazone of Waterford; Kim (Brian) Griffis of Jacksonville, Florida; Victor (Jennifer) Chiodini of Grand Rapids; Travis Kraai of New Era; Aaron (Margaret) Kraai of Allendale; Kristopher Kraai of New Era; Ryan Tubergen of Fremont; Cody Tubergen of Fremont; several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Fran Kraai; his parents, Albert and Gertrude and by 8 brothers and sisters.

VISITATION : Tuesday, March 28, 2006 from 2-4 & 6-8pm at Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel.  FUNERAL SERVICES : Wednesday at 11 am at the First Reformed Church in Fremont.  INTERMENT : Maple Grove Cemetery.  MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : Mission Fund of the First Reformed Church or the Fremont Area District Library. 

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 from the First Reformed Church with Pastor Troy VanBeek presiding with interment in the Maple Grove Cemetery.  Friends may consider the Mission Fund of the First Reformed Church or the Fremont Area District Library for memorial contributions in memory of Robert.  Friends may also send a condolence or share a memory with the Kraai Family online at www.crandellfh.com .  Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel. 

Robert L. Kraai, age 88 of Fremont, passed away Sunday morning, March 26, 2006 at the Transitional Health Services in Fremont.  Bob was born on April 9, 1917 in Holland to Albert and Gertrude (Weighmink) Kraai and later married Magdaline Meeuwsen on June 19, 1943 in Grand Forks, South Dakota.  Bob attended Hope College, Western Michigan University where he received his Bachelors of Arts Degree.  He later received his Masters Degree from the University of Michigan and had also been a Ford Foundation Scholar at the University of New Mexico.  Bob moved to the Fremont area in 1947 and began his teaching career with the Fremont Public Schools as a high school teacher, later became the assistant principle at the high school and moved to the Fremont Middle School when the building was built and served as principal until his retirement in 1980 after 34 years.  He had also been Director of the Newaygo County Veterans Institute, served as curriculum coordinator and transportation manager while at Fremont schools.  Bob was an avid reader, enjoyed stamp and coin collecting, served on the Fremont Library Board and volunteer for many years.  Bob was a member of the First Reformed Church in Fremont and had served in the United States Air Force during World War II. 

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Magdaline of Fremont; his children, Scott Kraai of Greenville; Todd (Debra) Kraai of New Era; Tam (Mike) Tubergen of Fremont; his grandchildren, Robin (Bo) Vechazone of Waterford; Kim (Brian) Griffis of Jacksonville, Florida; Victor (Jennifer) Chiodini of Grand Rapids; Travis Kraai of New Era; Aaron (Margaret) Kraai of Allendale; Kristopher Kraai of New Era; Ryan Tubergen of Fremont; Cody Tubergen of Fremont; several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Fran Kraai; his parents, Albert and Gertrude and by 8 brothers and sisters.

VISITATION : Tuesday, March 28, 2006 from 2-4 & 6-8pm at Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel.  FUNERAL SERVICES : Wednesday at 11 am at the First Reformed Church in Fremont.  INTERMENT : Maple Grove Cemetery.  MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : Mission Fund of the First Reformed Church or the Fremont Area District Library. 

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 29, 2006 from the First Reformed Church with Pastor Troy VanBeek presiding with interment in the Maple Grove Cemetery.  Friends may consider the Mission Fund of the First Reformed Church or the Fremont Area District Library for memorial contributions in memory of Robert.  Friends may also send a condolence or share a memory with the Kraai Family online at www.crandellfh.com .  Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel.