William Peter DeLugt

William 'Bill/Pop/Opa/OpaOpa' DeLugt, age 91, passed away in Chandler, Arizona, on May 28, 2024. William grew up in a loving, Christian home in The Hague, the Netherlands, where he was one of 10 siblings. Following World War 2, William's father made the momentous decision to emigrate to the United States to escape the economic devastation wrought by the war. After settling in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1950, William was unable to engage in a suitable profession and enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952. In 1955 he married Albertina 'Tineke' VandenBrink (a former neighbor in The Hague). During his 26 years in the Air Force he was stationed at various bases throughout the world. His most impactful assignment was that of official interpreter while stationed at Volkel Air Force Base in the Netherlands. As the official United States Air Force base liaison with the Dutch government, he was involved in many administrative matters to ensure that good relations were maintained during those critical years of the Cold War. Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1978, William found employment with the United States Postal Service where in remained until 1992 before retiring for good.

William was an accomplished keyboard player excelling on the acoustic piano as well as the Fender Rhodes electric piano, and the Hohner clavinet and pianet. In the 1960's William was the keyboard player for the popular Colorado band Boenzee Cryque (the forerunner to the popular country-rock band Poco). William continued his love of the piano throughout his life, playing for many years in church, and composing Christian children's songs.

William's sons Mark and John followed him in governmental service, and one of this proudest moments was seeing both his sons fully retire from their professions in municipal law enforcement and federal aviation.

William was a devout Christian of the Calvinist doctrine and he instilled the virtues and practices of faith in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild.

William is survived by his wife Geri, his sons Mark (Aileen) and John, grandchildren Heather (Carlos) Camacho, Adam DeLugt, Blake (Alexa) DeLugt, Nick (Alyssa) DeLugt, William DeLugt, and one great grandchild Jillian DeLugt, sisters Maria Kocsis-DeLugt, Irene Merritt, Carla Verhage, Ann DeWindt, along with many nephews, nieces, and close friends.

William was preceeded in death by his first wife Albertina 'Tineke' VandenBrink.