Funeral services for Johnsie DeVries, 78, Sidney, were at 10 a.m., Monday, April 20, 2009, at the Lonsdale United Methodist Church with Pastor Gene Erickson officiating. Musical selections were provided by Lori Utter, Gary Rauschendorfer and Sharon Smelser.

Casketbearers were Greg Rauschendorfer, Robert Rauschendorfer, Bill Cundiff, Dean Baker, Dennis Johnson and Gene Hueth. Honorary casketbearers were Johnsie’s grandchildren and the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department. Interment took place in the Sidney Cemetery under the direction of Fulkerson Funeral Home of Sidney. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com. Memorial gifts will be directed to a fund for equipment for the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department.

Johnsie Lee DeVries, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away April 15, 2009, after a courageous struggle with cancer. He will truly be missed, and our memories of him will leave a lasting impression on all our lives. Johnsie was born July 23, 1930, in Fairview, as the oldest son to Minne and Clarice (Sparks) DeVries. He lived in Fairview for 10 years and attended the Dore school. While living in Fairview, he was joined by his now deceased sister Siebrigje and his sister Phyllis.

After the loss of his father, they moved to Sidney where his brother Pete DeVries was born. Johnsie’s mother married Joe Laci, and Sally, Frank, Rose and Sam Laci were born into the family over the years. He attended Sidney schools where he played football and worked at Frettim Garage. At age 14, he went to work at Chad’s Furniture which began his lifelong career in the furniture business. Over the years he managed and eventually purchased Chad’s.

On July 16, 1951, Johnsie married Norma Ruffatto at Lonsdale Methodist Church. They were blessed with nearly 58 years of marriage along with five children and 10 grandchildren.

Over the years he enjoyed fishing, playing cards, dancing, playing softball, coaching little league, rock hunting, dominoes, long drives in the country, watching sports, traveling and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and the Moose Lodge, as well as a retired member of the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department. He loved his country and served in the National Guard. Johnsie had a very deep love for Norma and his children. He was a hard working, honest man who was quick to lend a hand to those in need.

Johnsie is survived by: his loving wife, Norma; and their children Dennis (Sylvia) DeVries, Sidney, and their children (Jessica, Nicole and Brittany), Cherie (Darren) Worthy, Hillsboro, Ore., and their children (Celeste, Carissa and Justin), Brent DeVries, Las Vegas, Nev., Karen (David) Peterson, Modesto, Calif., and their children (Shauna and Brandon), and Jon (Jeri) DeVries, Las Vegas, Nev., and their children (Domenic and Amanda); his brothers Pete (Louise) DeVries, Merced, Calif., Frank (Loris) Laci, Hoopeston, Ill., and Sam (Evelyn) Laci, Hardin; his sisters Phyllis Rider, Crescent, City, Calif., Sally (Neil) Schmidt, Hardin, and Rose Baker, Hardin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Johnsie was preceded in death by: his father, Minne; mother, Clarice; sister Siebrigje; and stepfather, Joe Laci.