Mark J. VanderMeulen's Obituary
Mark J. VanderMeulen, age 74, passed away peacefully after a lengthy struggle with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia. He was born on April 1, 1950 in Muskegon to William and Arline (Sietsema) VanderMeulen.
Mark proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. Throughout his career, he worked at Steel Fabricating and later co-owned Tridonn Construction for many years. Mark was actively involved in numerous community organizations, including AMBUCS, Christian Care, United Way, Muskegon Country Club, Harbor Hospice, and the Associated Builders and Contractors. He was also a long-time member of Calvin CRC in Muskegon. Mark will be remembered as a kind, patient, and generous man, deeply devoted to his family, and admired for his humility, quiet strength, character, and integrity. His greatest joy was spending time with his wife, kids, and grandsons. He also had an extensive network of friends who enriched his life.
Mark married Julie Hyma on August 13, 1971, and this past summer, they celebrated 53 wonderful years of marriage. He is survived by his wife Julie; two daughters, Jill (Derek) Osborne and Laura VanderMeulen-Cole; two grandsons, Mason and Nolan Osborne; sisters and brothers in law, Jackie VanderMeulen, Marcia Hyma, Sheri (Gordie) deBest, Mark (Liz) Hyma, and Jeff (Dawn) Hyma; as well as many nieces and nephews. Mark was preceded in death his parents, Bill and Arline VanderMeulen; brother, Jack VanderMeulen; and brother-in-law, Randy Hyma.
Private Family Services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mark’s name may be made to the Harbor Hospice Foundation.
Share memories with the family online at http://www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100.
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