David A. VanAelst's Obituary
David Alan VanAelst, 76, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 3, 2023. Dave was a resident of Fruitport, MI and Covington, IN.
Dave was born on July 2, 1947 to Jerome and Doreen VanAelst (Gallie) in Muskegon. He spent his early years in Ludington while his parents ran a small gas station and grocery store. His family moved to the Muskegon area when he was in elementary school. He graduated from Mona Shores High School in 1965 and went on to become a pattern maker, working at the same shop as his father for several years. He then met his first love, Christine Bowne, impressing her with his good job and his Corvette. They married in 1969. The two started their lives together and later welcomed three children to their family. Dave decided to leave the pattern making industry to become a machine tool salesman, where his gift of gab served him well. With his prowess for sales and forming relationships with his customers, he worked his way up at Lakeshore Machinery where he later became President and part owner. After early retirement and finding he had too much time on his hands, Dave started VA Technologies and continued selling industrial machines on a part-time basis. He lost his wife Christine to cancer in 2017 after 48 loving years. He met and married his second love, Sherry Slider of Covington, IN in 2020. They shared three wonderful years together splitting their time between Michigan and Indiana. Dave was a former member of the Muskegon Elks Lodge #274 and was a member of the Muskegon Vikings Linne Lodge #57 and the Knights of Columbus Council #706.
Dave was an avid golfer and loved spending time with his family. He couldn’t get enough time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a devoted fan at their baseball games, golf matches, school events, plays and recitals. He will be missed for his steadfast support & love of his family, sense of humor (he could make you laugh and roll your eyes at the same time), and ability to talk to anyone.
Dave is survived by his wife, Sherry; children: Melissa (Don) Camp, Mark (Kimberly) VanAelst, and Joel (Trisha) VanAelst; stepchildren: Doug (Karynn) Slider, Randy (Jenny) Slider, Elizabeth (Kevin) Simon, and Laura (Charlie) Russell; grandchildren: Taryn (Jeremy) Sowa, Andrew (Jordan) VanAelst, Brianna (Eric) Wright, Tess Nienhouse, Makayla Minnaar, Mikey Minnaar, Bradley VanAelst, Ryan VanAelst, Cody Camp, Hunter Camp, Scott (Betsy) Slider, Michael (Chelsea) Slider, Kadie (Craig) Root, Bradley Slider, Macy (Nathan) Morrison, Lexi Slider, Curt Slider, Annalyse Slider, Sophia Simon, Lilly Russell, and Hunter Russell; great-grandchildren: Casyn, Davey, Sedona, Harper, Maddie, Aiden, Emma, Mason, Emery, Ellie, and CeCe; and sister, Beth (Ed) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather Melvin “Pooch” Meyers; wife, Christine; and brother, Jerry VanAelst.
VISITATION with the family will be from 6-8 PM Thursday, August 10, 2023 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100. A CELEBRATION of David’s Life will be held 11:00 AM Friday, August 11, 2023 at the funeral home with one hour of visitation prior to the service. Due to his love for children, please consider making a donation in David’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. There will also be a Celebration of Life Service held in Covington, IN, date, time, and place to be determined. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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