Annual report highlight: Your legacy
June 24, 2024The Deur Family
Lou and Bev Deur served in their church and on local boards, welcomed visitors, and made giving a top priority throughout their lives. Their outlook made a lasting impression on their children Jonell Pettinga, Eric Deur, Christopher Deur, and Garth Deur. “I’ve been a serial volunteer,” Garth remarked with a smile. “My siblings too.”
That drive to give and lend a hand is part of a legacy passed down from Eugene Deur, Lou’s father and Garth’s grandfather. Eugene founded Deur Chevrolet and actively served his community. “Grandpa was always very involved in the community,” said Garth. “I don’t think Dad ever realized it was an option not to be.”
After Bev passed away in 2018 and Lou in 2022, Garth went through three years of Lou’s check registers, making a long list of every charity he had supported. The family partnered with the Community Foundation to direct estate gifts to the organizations on the list and create two new endowment funds. “Dad always respected the people who worked at the Community Foundation,” said Garth. “He thought charity should be done well and professionally.”
Their gifts and the funds they created will help ensure that Lou and Bev continue to be a force for good in their home community for generations to come.
“They had huge, big hearts,” said Garth. “I’m super proud of them.”
