Freda Marie VanderLaan's Obituary
Mrs. Freda Marie VanderLaan, age 103, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 in Grant, Michigan. She was born in Wright Township on November 28, 1920 to Fred and Victoria (Gross) Klein. On November 9, 1940, Freda married Raymond C. VanderLaan and they had three children. Freda, in addition to raising her boys, helped her husband on the farm raising dairy and beef cows. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church of Conklin. Freda moved in with her son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Daynelle, and grandson, Willie when she was 93 years old. The past 10 years were spent doing many new things for Freda, and that brought her great joy. They took a special trip to Texas where she saw the ocean for the first time. She also helped Dennis and Daynelle rehabilitate wildlife, and she saw Willie Nelson in concert twice, and even got her picture taken with him! Freda is survived by her sons, Dale (Patti Harris) VanderLaan, Gary (Ruth) VanderLaan, and Dennis (Daynelle) VanderLaan; eight grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond VanderLaan, her parents, and five siblings. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2034 Gooding Street, Conklin, MI 49403 with Fr. Andrew Ayers presiding. VISITATION will be from 5-8 PM Monday, February 26, 2024 at The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St., Ravenna, MI 49451 with the ROSARY prayed at 5:00 PM. VISITATION will also be one hour prior to mass at church on Tuesday. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery. You may sign Freda’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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