Harry John VanderMel's Obituary
After a short battle with Cancer, Harry went home to be with our Lord on Thursday, May 18, 2006. Harry was born to John & Frances VanderMel on July 29, 1923 in Muskegon, Michigan. After two years of service to his country during World War II, Harry returned to work at Teledyne Continental Motors where he continued to work for a total of 45 years. He married Alice Pedler August 9, 1947 in Muskegon. He was very active in Lakeside Baptist and later at Mona Shores Baptist Church. He served in the roles of Deacon, Trustee and also as a member of the finance committee. He loved playing Guitar and Harmonica and enjoyed playing in churches throughout Western Michigan with the Vern Hiltz Trio. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 11 and Local 1279 of Teledyne Continental Motors as well as Mona Shores Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Alice and his children, Thomas J. (Kathy) VanderMel of Fruitport, MI and Julie (Stephen) Tack of Saginaw as well as his grandchildren, Stephanie M. Tack of Saginaw and Christopher S. Tack of Grand Rapids. He is also survived by his brother, David L. (Addie) VanderMel of Virginia Beach, VA, and his sister, Jane M. (Ernest) Geeting; brother-in-law, Donald “Jack” (Luceil) Pedler of Dearborn, MI; and one living aunt, Christine Koops of Charlotte, MI.
FUNERAL SERVICES will take place 11 AM Monday at Mona Shores Baptist Church, 3800 Lake Harbor Rd., in Muskegon, with Pastor Tom Siefert, officiating. Burial will be in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Homes, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441 (231-759-8565)from 2-4 & 6-8PM Sunday. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS to Hospice of Muskegon – Oceana or Mona Shores Baptist Church Building Fund will be appreciated.
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