Mr. Forrest J. VanderLaan's Obituary
Mr. Forrest J. VanderLaan, 87, passed away Thursday morning, January 4, 2018, at his home. He was born April 14, 1930 to Joseph and Evelyn (Hoefling) VanderLaan in Ravenna, and lived most of his life in the Muskegon area. Forrest retired from Engine Power Components, and prior to that had worked several years at Anaconda. He was a U.S. Army veteran, and was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. He married Helen Jazdzyk on September 12, 1953, and she preceded him in death on January 1, 2008. Survivors include 4 children, Jim (Terri) VanderLaan, Joe (Vickie) VanderLaan, John VanderLaan, Debbie (Bill) Terpstra; 10 grandchildren,15 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Wave Manning and Darlene Stepping. He was also preceded in death by 3 children, David, Linda and Joseph; and his sister, Doris King. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, with the Rev. Fr. Antony Britto presiding. Entombment will take place at St. Marys Cemetery. Visitation at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., (231) 798-1100 will be Wednesday, January 10, from 2-4 & 6-8 PM, with the Rosary prayed at 5:30 PM. You may visit the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com. Contributions in memory of Mr. VanderLaan may be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice.
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