Frederic Peter "Rick" vandenBerg's Obituary
Frederic Peter “Rick” vandenBerg, age 74, of Spring Lake passed away Monday, December 28, 2020,. He was born January 24, 1946, in Grand Haven to Albert Frederic and Lavina (VanLopik) vandenBerg, and he married Donna in 1975 in Flint, MI, where they met.
Rick graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1964 and earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Alma College, where he served as president of the class of 1968. He completed his master’s degree at Michigan State University in 1971. He served his country honorably in the Army Reserves and worked as a human resources executive for General Motors and multiple subsidiaries, a career that took him and his family on many exciting national and international adventures. In retirement, Rick was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Grand Haven, where he served as an elder, an usher, clerk of session, and head of the worship committee.
Rick was known for his quick wit, his dry sense of humor, his gentle warmth, and his innate ability to earn the trust of others. He was a genuinely gifted listener, a calming presence for his family and friends, and a loyal and generous helper. He was eminently selfless, brave, and naturally inclined to treat others with dignity and grace. Rick loved Michigan State Football, Alma College, West Michigan, and especially his family, who will miss him dearly.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Donna vandenBerg; daughter, Dr. Alysia (Julien Coutel) vandenBerg; son, Dr. Matthew (Melissa) vandenBerg; two grandchildren, Jackson and Sylvia; two nieces, Ruth vandenBerg and Dr. Karin Grimnes; nephew, Dr. Peter (Anita) vandenBerg; and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Martha Grimnes and Mary “MeiMe” vandenBerg; two brothers, Peter and Jack vandenBerg; niece, Mary vandenBerg; three nephews: Paul vandenBerg, Eric Grimnes, and James vandenBerg; sister-in-law, Lillian vandenBerg; and brother-in-law, Audun Grimnes.
Rev. Troy Hauser-Brydon and Rev. Dale Swihart will officiate a private family service. In lieu of flowers, Rick’s family invites consideration of memorial gifts to the Mary “MeiMe” vandenBerg Fund at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (which supports the lighthouse and Kitchel-Lindquist-Hartger Dunes Preserve) or Alma College. Arrangements have been entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave; Grand Haven, MI 49417. Please share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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