Carolyn "Katie" K. VandeVrede's Obituary
Carolyn "Katie" VandeVrede, age 79, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, October 3, 2022. Katie was born on January 29, 1943, to Edward and Gleneden Alexander in Lansing, Michigan. Because of extenuating circumstances, she was raised by her Grandmother Pauline Alexander and her aunt, Millie Quimby. She married her husband, Russ VandeVrede, on May 8, 1962, and enjoyed a loving marriage for over 60 years. When Katie was growing up, she was a bit of a tomboy. She loved playing sports, climbing trees, and being outdoors. She loved her Savior Jesus Christ, enjoyed raising her children, and spending time with family. For many years she worked alongside her husband Russ as they started a successful industrial sales organization. She and Russ became involved in a Christian Motorcycle club, through which they made a number of lifelong friends. Katie was an avid photographer and became involved with photo contesting on the internet. Later they become involved in RVing and spent several winters in some of the warmer states. She's survived by her husband, Russ; two children, Shane (Janet) VandeVrede, Shawna (Shannon) Waruszewski, seven grandchildren, Christina (Joe) Cappon, Keith (Tori) VandeVrede, Hudson Marecek, Windsor (Lauren) Marecek, Kyle Waruszewski, Justin Waruszewski (Katelyn), Jordan Waruszewski; and ten great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 10:30 – 11:30 am on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Olivet EF Church, 6790 Harvey Rd, Norton Shores, MI. Her service will follow at 11:30 am and reception upon conclusion of the service. Memorial contributions may be sent to either Olivet Evangelical Free Church (6790 Harvey Rd, Norton Shores, MI. 49456) or the Harbor Hospice Foundation, 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon, MI 49444. Those wishing to send flowers should have them sent to Sytsema Funeral Home, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444, and they will deliver them to Olivet Evangelical Free Church.
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