Dirk Van De Kraats

BILLERICA- Dirk G. "Dick" van de Kraats, 84, a longtime resident of Billerica, died Thursday, May 19th at Emerson Hospital in Concord. He was the beloved husband of Geertje "Gigi" (Joon) van de Kraats who died August 24, 2010.
He was born on February 7, 1927 in Veenendaal, Holland, a son of the late Hendrik and Geertrui (van Manen) van de Kraats.
Dirk immigrated with his wife to the United States in 1968, settling in Billerica, and he and his family became proud U.S. citizens. He remained in that same house until his death.
Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a Systems Analyst at Honeywell in Billerica. Earlier in his career he was employed for several years at High Voltage in Burlington.
He was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Chelmsford.
Dirk was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and his greatest joy was spending time at his home in the company of his family and friends. He also enjoyed woodworking and traveling around New England, especially to Maine and Vermont.
He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Colleen van de Kraats of Windsor, CA, and was the proud grandfather of Adam and Jordan van de Kraats, also of Windsor, CA.
It being his wish, there will be no visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service on Monday at 10 o'clock at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 242 Boston Rd., (Rte 4), Chelmsford. Interment in Pine Ridge Cemetery in Chelmsford. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dirk's name to Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care, 275 Grove St., Suite 3-100 , Newton, MA 02466.WILL RUN SUNDAY VAN DE KRAATS- Died May 19th, Dirk G. "Dick" van de Kraats, 84, of Billerica, husband of the late Geertje "Gigi" (Joon) van de Kraats. It being his wish, there will be no visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service on Monday at 10 o'clock at the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 242 Boston Rd., (Rte 4), Chelmsford. Interment in Pine Ridge Cemetery in Chelmsford. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dirk's name to Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care, 275 Grove St., Suite 3-100 , Newton, MA 02466. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen Street, CHELMSFORD. Funeral Directors, Paul A. Hardy, Jr. and Richard P. Burkinshaw. For online condolences visit blakefuneralhome.com.