Allen VanOordt Jr.'s Obituary
Allen VanOordt, Jr., age 91, of Grand Haven passed away Sunday, January 26, 2014, at the Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence. He was born September 13, 1922, in Grand Haven to Allen Sr. and Mabel (Geldein) VanOordt. He married the former Helen J. Rose on June 21, 1944 in Grand Haven, and she preceded him in death on January 31, 2013.
Allen was a lifelong resident of Grand Haven and worked for Michigan Bell Telephone as a lineman and also in administration. He served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was a member of the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28 in Grand Haven for 68 years, where he served on the Legion Honor Guard for 30 years, he was also a lifetime member of the Sgt. Alvin Jonker V.F.W. Post #23. Allen served as president for 16 years at Communication Workers of America. He also served as president at United Way and the Labor Council. He was a board member at the Community Center, and North Ottawa Community Hospital. Allen was a Deacon at Hope Reformed Church, was a Sea Scout Leader for 5 years, and was Grand Haven “Young Man of the Year” in 1970. Allen enjoyed bowling and golfing, but he especially enjoyed his family, and wintering in Florida from 1974-2009.
Allen is lovingly remembered by three daughters: Pat (Jim) Best of Nunica, Linda (Jared) Gieske Jr. of Fruitport, and Joyce (Dann) Yonker of Spring Lake; his son, Jim (Kim) VanOordt of Fruitport; seven grandchildren, Michael (Staci) Best, Sarah (Heather) Best, Joshua (Julie) Gieske, Tessa (Charles) Grabinski, Michael Calkins, Kelly (Jason) Kondrat, and Jamie (Ben) Maxson.10 great-grandchildren; and his brother-in-law, Paul (Bea) Rose of Grand Haven. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Mabel VanOordt, Sr.; his step-mother, Margaret VanOordt; his two brothers, Harold and Howard VanOordt; four sisters-in-law; and two brothers-in-law.
The funeral service for Allen will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 30, 2014, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven with Rev. Tim Taylor officiating. Friends may meet the family from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven. Military rites will be provided under the auspices of the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28 of Grand Haven. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28 of Grand Haven or the Sgt. Alvin Jonker V.F.W. Post #2326 or the Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven.
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