Bernard James "Jim" VanderLaan's Obituary
Bernard James “Jim” VanderLaan, age 84, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Ravenna. He was born October 18, 1940, in Coopersville, MI, to Bernard and Dorothy (Wortelboer) VanderLaan. On December 2nd, 1961, he married Janet Lee Patterson in Ravenna. Janet passed away on December 26, 2024, after 63 wonderful years of marriage to her beloved husband, Jim.
He started his career truck driving at the age of 18 and continued driving for 45 years. His favorite pastimes included camping, boating, snowmobiling, and pony pulling with his wife and family. He had an extreme love for his tractors, especially his Allis-Chalmers tractors. He was affectionately known as Grandpa Allis-Chalmers. He and Janet loved spending time with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They spent their last 20 years enjoying the south during their winters together.
SURVIVORS include his two sons: Kenneth (Amy) VanderLaan of West Olive and Keith (MaryJo) VanderLaan of Conklin; two daughters: Karen (Tony) Tyers of Kent City and Kathy Helsen (Chris Lowing) of Ravenna; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, MaryAnn (Mike) Sierz; brother-in-law, Gary Darcy; stepbrother, Don (Roxanne) Crowley; and several nieces and nephews. Jim was also preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Wallace Crowley; and sister, Kay Darcy. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at St. Catherine Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Andrew Ayers presiding. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Harbor Hospice Foundation or the American Lung Association. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St., Ravenna, MI 49451 (231) 853-6511
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