Birth date: Apr 29, 1924 Death date: Oct 31, 2012
Dr. Claude Van Andel, age 88, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and local retired physician went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 31, 2012. He was born April 29, 1924, in Mus Read Obituary
Dear VanAndel Family,
Having you all as neighbors was wonderful. Your husband and father was so kind and caring to all of us through the years. We often talk about how he would come and check on us when we were sick. Our mother was so relieved that a kind doctor lived right across the street.
We are so sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
The Kolberg Family from Diversey
Cathy, Grace and remember the Dr at the aquathereapy classes. He was such a quiet and understanding man. You and your family are in our prayers.
To and Grace Montambo
Catherine and Family: Nancy and I extend our thoughts and prayers to you. I can still remember the days when you were in Chicago in medical school and would visit with my parents. I wish that we did not live so far away (Alabama). It is obvious in all that I have read that Claude was a strong finisher...a Godly man to the end. What a legacy!! Again we will be praying for you.
Larry Wit
Dr. VanAndel loved the Lord and loved the work of the Lord, which is how I was honored to make his acquaintance. I serve as the director for Child Evangelism Fellowship of Muskegon. Dr. VanAndel blessed our ministry in so many ways, the greatest of which was praying faithfully for CEF and making special stops at our ministry center just to come hold my hand and pray for me personally, that the Lord would bless me and our ministry among the children of our community.
Whenever he sent a note, he would scrawl "Am praying for you" across it, and underline it at least twice, sometimes three or four times, then add a Scripture reference at the bottom - the last such note I saved has 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 on it.
I know that our ministry is not alone in being the beneficiary of his generosity - one way that he loved to give was by telling us whenever we needed tracts was to call such and such a secretary and tell her that "Doc" is covering the cost, and order whatever we needed.
Also, when at conferences with older CEF missionaries, I would introduce myself and where I serve - many times their response would be, "I went to leadership training there when the national training center was there (prior to 1976)." When they shared their experiences in Muskegon, many of these workers would ask specifically about Dr. VanAndel, which always surprised me, since we were talking about events that happened over 30 years ago! He was memorable man for all of the right reasons.
I look forward to heaven when we can celebrate these things and see the whole picture!
“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory.” Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. “ 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
I will miss my dear friend Doc VanAndel but I'm so happy he is finally present with the God he loved, worshiped, and spoke to so faithfully. I am deeply grateful for his prayers, support, and his influence in my life and for teaching me the power and importance of intercessory prayer. What a wonderful legacy he leaves for his family...a life lived with a focus on spiritual hope and healing for everyone he met.
I worked in the Nuclear Med Dept at General Hospital from 1970 to 1978. I have nothing but fond memories of Dr. VanAndel. His beliefs were always evident with all he came in contact with. I so appreciated him. Please accept my condolences. Connie Gardner Robinson
Years ago, when I was in General Hospital for an extended stay, Dr. Van Andel came to my room everyday to check on me and offer a prayer. His kindness has never been forgotten. I have also had the opportunity to be with him socially and his manner and friendliness were shining attributes. I have lost touch with many of the Veurink family members since Steve's death but I will never forget his positive impact on my life. I feel lucky to have met such a man. My sympathy goes out to the family and you will remain in my prayers.
Fondly,
John De Ruiter
Dear VanAndel Family, your Dad leaves wonderful memories of our youth in Church! He was such a wonderful man! I am surcharge that he will be making a golf date with my Dad and Wendy Collins as soon as he is settled. Take care, prayers to you and your family. Debra Cooper Pressley Tavares FL
Jack and I wish to send our sympathy to all the family with the loss of one of the greatest tract writers of our time.Many of his tracts went out all over the country with our Ebay sales. He also took great care of our dad and mom many years ago.You wiil be in our thoughts and prayers.Sandy and Jack Sisho
