Mr. Robert Vander Ark's Obituary
Mr. Robert Vander Ark, age 74, passed away Monday, January 23, 2012. He was born in Grand Rapids on October 24, 1937 to John and Anne (VanStraten) Vander Ark. Bob started working at Meijer at the age of 16 as a bag boy and retired in 2002 as vice-president. He was a very active and original member of Covenant Life Church. Bob enjoyed collecting and restoring PUCH mopeds, having close to 100 in his collection; and enjoyed buying and remodeling homes with his wife, Renée. He had a passion for art and was extremely talented at scratchboard. On May 14, 1977, he married the former Renée Daly and she survives him along with 6 children, Scott (Lynn) Vander Ark of Grand Rapids, Jeff (Kelly) Vander Ark of Middleville, Brian (Lux) Vander Ark of Grand Rapids, Lori (Brad) Marthens of Ada, Brad (Jessica) Vander Ark of Spring Lake and Jacob (Allison) Vander Ark of Spring Lake; 16 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Dr. Condon (Mary) Vander Ark, Darrell (Carol) Vander Ark and Steven (Dawn) Vander Ark; and his mother-in-law, Donna Wittum and her family. He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 infant sons, Jonathon and Christian. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be 11:00 AM Thursday at Covenant Life Church (101 Columbus St., Grand Haven, MI 49417) with Rev. Bruce Ballast officiating. VISITATION will be from 2-4 & 6-8PM today at Covenant Life Church. INTERMENT will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Grand Rapids. In lieu of flowers, please consider Covenant Life Church Building Fund.
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