Carl Haan, of Lynden, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017, at the age of 59 after a brief fight against a rare disease called amyloidosis. Carl was known for his servant heart, playful nature and genuine interest in everyone he met. Currently, he was the head of maintenance at Lynden Christian Schools and the high school janitor. He loved encouraging the students as he walked the halls of the school. Carl and Renee treasured family time, outings and sleepovers with their children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Carl was born in Philadelphia on March 4, 1958 to parents Albert and Joanne (Vos) Haan. He was the third of six children. Carl’s father was a home missionary pastor, planting churches all over the United States. After many moves, the family settled in Denver, Colorado, where Carl graduated from Denver Christian High School before attending Calvin College and Metro State. Carl owned his own janitorial business, worked in construction and various service jobs. After moving to Lynden in 1987, he worked for both Northwest Professional Services and Lynden Christian Schools in maintenance and as a janitor.
Carl met teacher Renee while working on the construction of a new school which was her first teaching position in the Denver Metro area. Carl married Renee DeBoer Aug. 15, 1981 in Lynden. Together they raised children Danielle, Kyle and Caleb, and Carl considered them his proudest accomplishments. For many years the family attended Sonlight Community Church where Carl was a youth leader. He went on several short-term mission trips with the youth group and became a mentor and friend to many high school students. Carl was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2009, enduring very aggressive chemotherapy treatments and was declared “cured” by his doctor five years later. Carl became more passionate about his faith throughout his battle with cancer. He enjoyed cheering for the Denver Broncos especially with so many Seahawks fans in the area. He enjoyed cooking for his family, spending time with his children and grandchildren, camping, and Lynden Christian sporting events.
Carl was preceded in death by his mother Joanne in 2015.
He is survived and greatly missed by Renee, his wife of 36 years; three children Danielle (Tyler) Bajema, Kyle (Alena) Haan, and Caleb Haan; six grandchildren Josie, Eliza, Hadley, Evie, Emeri and Kyson; father Al Haan; brothers Mark (Sharon) Haan, Bruce (Pat) Haan, and Paul (Sue) Haan; sisters Arlene (Carl) Haymond and Mary Stout; in-laws Dennis and Betty De Boer, Donna (Dick) Bajema, Lonnie (David) Ten Broek, Randy (Lisa) De Boer, and Roger (Jill) De Boer; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved a lot!
You are invited to join many family and friends for a 2 p.m. Celebration of Life service on Saturday, Nov. 4, in the Lynden Christian High School Worship and Fine Arts Center, 515 Drayton St., Lynden, with Pastor Ryan Bajema officiating.
You are invited to share your condolences and memories in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
