Mr. Kenneth C. Vanderwest's Obituary
Mr. Kenneth C. Vanderwest, 84, went to be with his Lord on June 20, 2020. He was born January 9, 1936, in Muskegon Heights to George and Rose (Updyke) Vanderwest. He was their 9th child. After serving in the U.S. Army and attending Western Michigan University, he married the love of his life, Shirley Jager, on December 13, 1958. Kenneth lived and worked in Muskegon his entire life. His career included work at Brunswick, Lebert Loan, and Smith Kline and he was a founding partner of Shoreline Insurance Agency, where he worked for many years. Ken was a financial planner with IOS and Investment Retirement Consulting. Ken loved people and was a cheerful, kind presence wherever he went. He was active in the community and was known for serving in the Christian Business Men’s Association, Ambucs, Muskegon Y’s Club, Traveler’s Protection Agency, & completing tax returns for those in need. He loved Muskegon and was an advocate and booster for the area, including the Big Reds! He valued and enjoyed being involved with his family. His life’s passion was to have all he came in contact with hear about Jesus Christ as Savior, for those who believe in His name. Ken was a longtime member of Calvary Church, serving as Sunday School teacher, deacon, and youth leader. More recently he was a member at Trinity Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings (brothers Clare, Bert, Robert, George, Harold, Orley, sisters Irene Blais & Bonnie Thielbar), and his grandson Luke. Ken is survived by his wife Shirley and their six children: Janet (David) LaPrairie, Kay (Jim) Panaggio, Stephen Vanderwest, Kelly (John) VerBerkmoes, Valerie (Kirk) Belmont, and Ken (Rhonda) Vanderwest; 21 grandchildren: Kat, Mark, Taylor, Mark, Andrew, Stephen, Maria, Joshua, Melisa, Kathleen, Jason, Leslie, Kirk, Erika, Kenton, Brock, Kaeden, Nathan, Robyn, Seth, and Aaron; 12 great-grandchildren, brother-in-laws Paul (Donetta) Jager and Jerry (Pansy) Jager, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. VISITATION will be held from 5-8 PM Tuesday, June 23, 2020. SERVICES will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, June 24, 2020. All will be held at Calvary Christian Schools (5873 Kendra Rd., Fruitport). For Shirley’s sake, we will practice social distancing and ask that you wear a mask. Interment will take place at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Contributions in memory of Mr. Vanderwest may be made to Trinity Baptist Church. Share memories with the family at their online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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