Laverne Medendorp's Obituary
Mr. Laverne “Vern” Medendorp, age 89, of Twin Lake passed away Sunday, March 11, 2018 at The Poppen Residence. He was born August 17, 1928 in Muskegon to Ernest and Ida (Japenga) Medendorp. In 1951 he married Lois Brooks.
Vern joined the US Army during WW II. He left Muskegon High School to go serve and was very proud of the GED he earned after serving his country. He retired from Continental Motors in 1989 after 39 years. Vern was very civic-minded. He served on the Twin Lake Elementary School Board as treasurer, on the Dalton Township Board, and was a firefighter for over 25 years on the Dalton Township Fire Department. He was a member of the Holton American Legion, Vikings Lodge, Muskegon Conservation Club, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. In his younger years he enjoyed roller skating at Curve Crest. He also enjoyed golfing, playing cards with his “Poker Club”, hunting, fishing, bowling, pool, boat trips on Lake Michigan, and teaching friends to water-ski. Vern was always willing to lend a hand to those in need, even doing yard work and snow shoveling until he was 89 years old. He was very proud of the fact that he cleared his own lot and built his house years ago with help from his son, Mike, and good friend, Bob Anderson. His family will always remember the special times and his special one-liners. For example: if someone got hurt, he would say with a smile, “Do it again, I didn’t see it”, or when leaving a restaurant, he would always tell the waitstaff, “You’re a good cook”. He will be greatly missed.
Vern is survived by his wife, Lois; three children: Deborah Streeter of Corpus Christi, TX, Michael Medendorp of Muskegon, and Barbara (Bruce) Brown of Norton Shores; four grandchildren: Jeff Newcomb, Nathan Medendorp, Kari (Matthew) Parnell, and James Socol; three great-grandchildren: Dagan Medendorp, Lena and Elliot Parnell; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Ida; brothers, Orwin, Edward, and John Medendorp; sister, Jeanette Osterhart; twin sister, Verna Hoeker; in-laws, Harold and Eva Brooks; and son-in-law, Lewis Streeter.
The family would like to say a special thank you for the excellent care provided by the compassionate staff at Harbor Hospice Poppen Residence, and the staff at the DaySpring DayCare.
A memorial service will take place 10 AM Thursday, March 15, 2018 at The Walburn Chapel, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. with Rev. John Brown officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Laverne may be given to: Pound Buddies Animal Shelter & Adoption Center, Viking Burn Camp, or Harbor Hospice. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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