Eugene VanStrate's Obituary
Mr. Eugene VanStrate, age 93, of Spring Lake passed away April 12th, 2024 at home surrounded by his family. He was born July 12, 1930, in Spring Lake to George and Sarah (Ballou) VanStrate. On May 19, 1951, he married Violet Stang in Grand Haven.
Eugene was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He enjoyed hunting, traveling, and working on cars, especially Fords and his beloved Mustangs. He loved spending time with his family, and he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife of almost 74 years, Violet; four children: Cindy (Rich) Jones, Timothy (Patty) VanStrate, Scott (Lisa) VanStrate, and Matthew (Amy) VanStrate; eight grandchildren: Alexandra (David) Fox, Quintin (Laura) Jones, Tim II (Nora) VanStrate, Keith (Lindsey) VanStrate, Kaite (Nick) Klein, Zachary Bugielski, Austin (Madison) VanStrate, and Trever VanStrate; twelve great-grandchildren: Wilhelmina, Indiana, Anabel, Luciana, Penelope, Santiago, Tripp, Hardy, Violet, Daisy, Mac, Foster; nieces and nephews; special friends: Myron and Shirley Balzer, Connie Leslie, Dick and Pat Zuidema, and Kent Vandenbosch . He was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn (Earl) Epplett.
A memorial mass will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, April 18, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake. Visitation will take place following the service during the luncheon. Memorial contributions in memory of Eugene may be given to St. Mary’s Food Pantry, and the Harbor Hospice Foundation. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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