Donald Lee Ver Hage of Otsego died Monday, Nov. 10. He was 82.
He was born May 15, 1943, in Kalamazoo, the son of Donald and Martha Ver Hage, who preceded him in death.
He graduated from Otsego High School in 1961 and received a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in 1993. On May 16, 1964, he married Carol Lee Smith of Otsego, who survives him.
Donald was employed by the City of Kalamazoo, Department of Public Safety, for 31 years. He worked in the Crime Scene Investigation Unit for 13 years. Upon the merger of the police and fire departments, he cross-trained as a public safety officer (PSO).
He was promoted to PSO Sergeant in 1984 and to PSO Lieutenant in 1986. He retired in May 1996. He taught crime scene investigation for 22 years at the Police Academy at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
Donald continued his career in 1996 with the Village of Mattawan as chief of police, retiring in May 2015.
He prided himself with being able to serve the public for 50 years in law enforcement. He and his wife have a son, D.J., who retired from the Wyoming Police Department after serving 27 years.
He was a member of the Martin Reformed Church, where he served as elder and enjoyed teaching the senior adult Sunday School class. He enjoyed gospel quartets, singing tenor for many years with the “Volunteers” and more recently with “His Harmony.”
He especially loved spending time with grandchildren, attending special and school events, sharing his love for the outdoors, camping, gardening, fishing with his son and friends, and working with his nephew on the farm.
He enjoyed his 1955 yellow Chevy truck, their dog, Olivia, and traveling. Their travels took them to all 50 states and included many trips to Europe.
Surviving are three children, Kelly, Cynthia, and D.J. (Rita). He is survived by nine grandchildren, Ethan (Marie), Jillian, Taryn, Grace (Cole), Turner, Zoe, Hannah, Adelyn, and Alayna. Brother Duane (Carolyn), sisters-in-law Yvonne and Arlene, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother Lawrence (Dutch) in 1982, a brother James in 2012, and a brother Isaac in 2018.
As per his wishes there will be no service. Friends may greet the family from 1-3 and 5-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, at the Martin Reformed Church. Private family burial will be held at Alamo Center Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Donald may be directed to the Martin Reformed Church Youth Group Mission Trips or Centrica Care Navigators.
