Kent I. VandeVrede Sr.'s Obituary
Kent I. VandeVrede, Sr., passed away at home on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at the age of 84. Kent was born December 28, 1936 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Isaac and Helen (Ruse) VandeVrede. He graduated from Eastern High School in Lansing, MI. He later entered the Air Force with his best friend, Bob Moore, who he met at MSU. While serving at the Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, Kent met his future wife, Patsy Ann Remus. They were married on August 17, 1956 and moved to Lansing, MI. Kent worked with his father at Central Welding Supply until his father passed away unexpectedly at the age of 49. Kent and Pat moved to Adrian, where he was Sales Manager for Tri-County Welding Supply. In his pursuit to own his own business, Kent purchased Apex Welding Gases and Supplies, Inc. and Tupes Spring and Welding in Muskegon Heights in 1970. He built and opened a second location in Holland, MI in 1980.
In the early 1970’s, shortly after moving to Muskegon, Kent became involved in sailing. After crewing on Joel and Kay VanderWall’s International 210, he bought his own 210, Coquina, and raced with his family on Muskegon Lake. In 1978, Kent bought a 42’ racer/cruiser that he named Venturous. With his family and friends, he sailed many races on Lake Michigan including the Queen’s Cup and Chicago to Mackinac.
The role Kent most cherished was that of father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a devoted fan attending every choral, band and sporting event his children and grandchildren participated in.
In 2000, Kent sold the business and retired. He and Pat moved to Hudsonville to start an equestrian Quarter Horse business, Terra Verde Acres. At the age of 64, Kent began riding and competing in Western Reining with his beloved Quarter Horse Dry Wood Smoke (Woody) and his palomino, Sosa Del Cielo. Kent won many ribbons and bronze statues and several of his horses competed at the Futurity in Oklahoma City.
Kent and Pat have been members of First Congregational Church for many years. He served on the board as President and Treasurer. Dr. James Bidle and his wife, Jo, as well as many FCC friends were their travel companions on trips to England, Wales, Ireland, Italy and throughout the U.S.
Kent is survived by his wife, Pat; son, Kent (Nancy) VandeVrede Jr. and their children, Elizabeth (Scott) Prentice and Dr. Kent (Mary) VandeVrede; daughter, Lisa VandeVrede and her daughters, Nicole (Keegan) Hoezee and Lauren Dodd; daughter, Diane (Ken) Beach and their children, Garrett and Meredith; great-grandchildren: Natalie and Chloe Prentice, Luke Meredith and Grant VandeVrede, Axel and Sadie Hoezee; sister, Marlene Boyce of Muskegon; and brother, Russ (Katie) VandeVrede of Whitehall. Kent was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Kerry VandeVrede and sister, Carolee.
A private family service will be held at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. A memorial service will be held in the spring. Memorial gifts may be made to: First Congregational Church, 1201 Jefferson Street, Muskegon, MI 49441.
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