William Earl Chittenden's Obituary
"Bill" Chittenden, age 77, of Spring Lake quietly departed this life on Wednesday, June 1, at Heartwood Lodge Hospice Residence. He was born in Grand Haven to William Earl and Myrtle Rita (Schuett) Chittenden. Bill married Sonja Marie Frovog on June 21, 1958 in Spring Lake where they have continued to live and were blessed with three children.
Bill served his country in the Navy decoding encrypted confidential communications while stationed in Japan. He worked in supervisory roles of the paint finishing sectors for most of his life. He also owned and operated Quality Screening of Grand Haven for several years.
Bill was an avid hunter, fisherman, custom knife builder, and loved old western movies and the history of the west. His generosity and humor was loved by many. His wonderful outgoing spirit will be forever cherished and remembered by his family.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Sonja Chittenden of Spring Lake; his daughter, Kelly (Dave) Devoe of Southlake, Texas; his son, Bill (Diane) Chittenden of Grand Haven; his granddaughters; Stefanie (Dustin) Brown of Grand Haven, Brooke and Devaney Devoe of Southlake, Texas; his grandson, Jordan Wetterman of northern Michigan; his great granddaughters; Breslin and Clara Brown of Grand Haven and three brothers: Thomas Chittenden of Grand Haven, Rodney Chittenden of Spring Lake, and George (Marilyn) Marion of Kalamazoo; two sister-in-laws: Maxine (Howard) Palen, Beverly (Robert) Stevenson; and his brother-in-law, Robert Dornbos. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his son; Steven Mark Chittenden, granddaughter; Angela Chittenden, and his brother; Donald Chittenden and his sister in laws: Aleta (Penny) Dornbos, Sally Bell Molenkamp, and Jacqueline Chittenden.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at Spring Lake Cemetery with Rev. Fr. David Gross officiating. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post # 28 Honor Guard, and a celebration of life for family and friends will be held at 12 noon at Barber Street School Tuesday, August 9, following the graveside service. Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Hospice of North Ottawa Community. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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