Paul Allen VanderMolen's Obituary
Paul Allen VanderMolen, age 80, went to his heavenly home on April 19, 2025. Paul was born to Russel and Harriet (Fisher) VanderMolen on June 3, 1944, in Muskegon, Michigan. In June of 1964, Paul married his wife Jeanne (Florence) VanderMolen at Heights Baptist Church in Muskegon, Michigan.
Paul worked at American Coil Spring for some time until he moved to Virginia to attend Liberty University. After returning home to Muskegon, Paul worked for Muskegon Public Schools as the lead custodian of Nims Elementary School until his retirement in 2003.
Paul was a devoted follower of Jesus who embodied the virtues of kindness and gentleness. He was a dedicated member of Bethel Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school and children’s ministry teacher, and as a leader of the Boys’ Brigade. Paul also competed on the church softball and bowling teams.
Paul enjoyed spending time on the water, water-skiing, and camping. He particularly enjoyed his and Jeanne’s trips to Silver Lake and camping with friends over Memorial Day weekend. Paul loved to read Western novels, watch old Western movies, do word searches, and watch Michigan football games.
More than anything else, though, Paul loved his family. He was a loving and protective husband to Jeanne, a gentle father to his children, and a wonderful grandfather. Paul treasured the time he got to spend with his grandchildren and looked forward to opportunities to pick them up from school and take them out for ice cream at McDonald’s.
Paul will be missed by his wife, Jeanne; children, Lynda Chiriboga and Doug (Lindsay) VanderMolen; grandchildren, Carlos Chiriboga, Alicia (Alexandr) Chiriboga Borblikov, Enrique (Lilli Johnson) Chiriboga, Gabriela Chiriboga, Hunter VanderMolen, Taggart VanderMolen, and Camden VanderMolen; great-granddaughter, Fiona; sister, Sandra Pearson; sisters-in-law, Jo Anne (Harry) Visscher and Jann (Dennis) Nuttall; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Antonio Chiriboga; son-in-law, Dr. Carlos Chiriboga; brother, David (Pat) VanderMolen; and brother-in-law, Al Pearson.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Bethel Baptist Church, 1066 E Byron Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49441, with Rev. Doug VanderMolen and Rev. Jojy Thomas officiating. A time of visiting and fellowship will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the Harbor Hospice Foundation or Bethel Baptist Church in Paul’s honor.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100. Share memories with the family at sytsemafh.com.
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