Mr. Andrew VanDonkelaar's Obituary
Mr. Andrew VanDonkelaar, age 91, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2014 at his home in Fruitport. He was born on May 30, 1922 in Muskegon to Henderick and Maagji (VanVoorthuysen) VanDonkelaar. Mr. VanDonkelaar was a chemical warfare specialist with the US Army and was a veteran of WWII having served from 1942-1945 in New Guinea and the Philippines. He was the owner and president of H. VanDonkelaar’s Sons Construction. He was a member of Calvin CRC and former member of Muskegon Heights CRC where he had been an elder, deacon and treasurer. He loved golfing and was a former member of Lincoln Golf Course and Grand Haven Golf Club. He was a member and past-president of the Senior Barber Shop Singers – Muskegon Chapter and was past-president of the Muskegon Contractors Association. On October 23, 1944, Andrew married the former Marcella Musgrave in Muskegon, MI and she preceded him in death on May 29, 2006. He is survived by his daughters, Marcia Tortorice of Muskegon and Kathy (Ron) Bartell of Bradenton, FL; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; two brothers, Gerrit H. (Patricia) VanDonkelaar and Al (Elaine) VanDonkelaar; two sisters, Margaret Fought and Bertha Grant and sister-in-law, Harriet VanDonkelaar. In addition to his wife, Andrew was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Henry VanDonkelaar and two sisters, Catherine Dewyn and Geraldine VanderWall. FUNERAL SERVICES will be 11:00 AM Friday, March 7, 2014 at Calvin CRC with Rev. John Rop officiating. VISITATION will be from 6-8 PM Thursday at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., 231-798-1100 and from 10-11 AM Friday at Calvin CRC. Burial will be in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. MEMORIALS to Calvin CRC Benevolent Fund or Love INC would be appreciated.
What’s your fondest memory of Andrew?
What’s a lesson you learned from Andrew?
Share a story where Andrew's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Andrew you’ll never forget.
How did Andrew make you smile?
