Stuart Vander Lee, Jr.'s Obituary
Mr. Stuart Vander Lee, Jr. age 78, of Grand Haven passed away Saturday, February 22, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 3, 1935 in Spring Lake to Stuart and Louise (VanderZwaag) Vander Lee. Stuart served in the United States Army. After serving in the military, Stuart worked as a butcher for Jobbers Market where he met his wife Donna. He also worked as a butcher for John Casemier’s and Rich’s Food Center. Stuart and Donna enjoyed riding their bikes throughout Grand Haven. He also enjoyed walking, crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. He was often seen working in his yard and garden or helping a neighbor or friend. He loved his church and served his church as an Elder and Deacon, a Sunday school teacher and choir member. Stuart’s life was his church, wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family was extremely important to him and his faith in God made our home a beautiful place to be raised and to live in the Lord. There was always laughter and love. He enjoyed visiting with his friends, Bill and Nanci Tysman, and treasured so many happy times with the four of them spending Saturday evenings having dinner and playing miniature golf. He will be greatly missed, but we know Dad is singing with the angels and meeting his heavenly Father while joining his beloved wife and parents. Thank you for the wonderful staff at Little Red House where Dad spent his days. We knew he was in excellent hands during the time spent there. We love you Dad. Thank you for being the strong yet gentle, devoted, Christian husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather that you were. You have taught us well and we are proud to call you our Dad! On June 27, 1957, he married Donna Brouwer in Grand Haven. Donna passed away February 26, 2012. Stuart is survived by his 4 children: Richard (Lisa) Vander Lee, Gary (Dawn) Vander Lee, Sharon (Cliff) Gerrish, and Douglas (Kendra) Vander Lee; 12 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. Stuart is also survived by 3 brothers, Lambert (Liz) Vander Lee, Paul Vander Lee, Tom (Yvonne) Vander Lee and 2 sisters, Anne (Lloyd) Krikke, and Lois (Gary) Peterson. Stuart was preceded in death by his wife, Donna and 1 great-grandchild. The funeral service for Stuart will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven with Rev. Richard J. Hamstra officiating. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28 Honor Guard. Friends may meet the family from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven. Interment will take place in Lakeshore Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Little Red House or First Christian Reformed Church. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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