Will De Jong, age 56, of Port Orchard, was known in life as a man who cared deeply for his family and friends. He is remembered as a husband to Lavonne and a father to Scott and Steven. He was a strong supporting presence in his church. He was highly respected by fellow mechanical engineers at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. He passed away on June 26th, after struggling for nearly four years with leukemia.

His life's journey led him from a childhood spent in Orange City, Iowa via the army, to California and then Washington. As a young boy, he had already developed a deep love for his Creator and Savior as well as an ability to express that love in song. His family remembers him as even keeled, quiet, reserved, goal-driven and hardworking, much like his father. High school saw him participating in basketball and music, and receiving academic awards. After 2 years at Dordt College, he served in the army which included a year in Turkey. Upon his return, he attended Iowa State University and received a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He began his lifelong occupation as a mechanical engineer in the Ocean Engineering Department at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California. He settled into life in California, and later, met his life partner, Lavonne Sneller, from Iowa. They got married in 1986, and soon moved from Vallejo to Vacaville. Later a work transfer brought their family to Port Orchard, Washington and Will began his work at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

Will was an active member of Anchor of Hope Church in Silverdale where he served in various leadership roles. His passion for music led him to a fulfilling ministry with the Praise Team. Outings with his family, reading history of early U.S. wars, fishing, following sports and scouting garage sales for bargains were his favorite activities.

His struggle against leukemia began in the fall of 2004, and has taken him down what he called "an unknown road". This journey ended abruptly at a point of hope following a successful engraftment of stem cells at the University of Washington Medical Center. Despite the difficulty of the past few years, Will was able to write in April, "I'm grateful to the Lord for all that he has done so far."

His legacy lingers with us as we remember his words "I know I'm not alone." Today in our sadness, we celebrate that he is rejoicing with his Savior.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Tena. Those who are left to treasure his memories include his wife, Lavonne, and two sons, Scott and Steven. He is also survived by a sister, Marla (Gene) Koning of Orange City, Iowa: three brothers: Irwin (Judy) and Cal De Jong, both of Orange City, Iowa, and Paul, from the United Arab Emirates; along with nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.