Donald L. Vanderwest's Obituary
Donald Louis Vanderwest, age 81, passed away in Spring Lake, MI, on Monday, September 15, 2025. He was born in Muskegon to Abel and Gertrude (Sikkenga) Vanderwest on June 28, 1944, and lived most of his life in the Muskegon area. He graduated from Muskegon High School and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. He served in the U.S. Army as a general vehicle mechanic during the Vietnam War. On August 12, 1967, he married the former Mary Schwemer, and the two of them spent 58 wonderful years building a family together. He worked in the Treasury Department of the State of Michigan for 22 years, then worked as a CPA for some time, and next went on to work for the Income Tax Administration for the City of Muskegon and subsequently for the City of Grand Rapids before retiring in 2012. Donald was a longtime member at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where he served as the treasurer for many years and also as a counselor at the Episcopal Youth Camp. He loved spending time outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing. He was very generous with his time and helped people however he could. He coached soccer for many years for the White Lake Youth Sports Club. He was incredibly social and could talk with anyone about anything. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Donald will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary Vanderwest; two sons: Austin (Samantha) Vanderwest and Cody (Patricia) Vanderwest; six grandchildren: Logan, Nick (Deanna), Hailey, Hunter, Connor, and Ella; one great-grandchild, Michelle; half-brother, John “Tom” Vanderwest; and three sisters: JoAnn (Dan) Cude, Lois Balcom, and Jane (Gary) Worth. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother in-law and fishing partner, Al Balcom.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held for Donald at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 19, 2025, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1006 3rd St, Muskegon, MI, 49440. A MEMORIAL VISITATION will be held on Thursday, September 18, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444, as well as at church an hour prior to the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
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