William Vanderstelt's Obituary
Mr. William Vanderstelt, age 86, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 16, 2009, at the Poppen Residence of Harbor Hospice. He was born January 25, 1923 in Muskegon to John and Johanna (Teuling) Vanderstelt and had been a life resident of the area. On December 28, 1945 he married Paula Jean Morin. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 63 years; 6 daughters, Sherran (Carl) Esh , Cynthia (Jim) VanderMolen , Jane (Jim) Johnson, Judy Vanderstelt (fiancé Roger Fielstra), Paula (Steve) Huizenga and Renee (Kevin) Martin; 19 grandchildren (2 deceased, Melissa and David); 11 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, John (Joyce) Vanderstelt; 3 sisters, Henrietta (late Al) Phillips, Donna (Ken) Lundholm, Joanne (Tom) Follow, sister-in-law, Thelma (late Jacob) Vanderstelt and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Joe, Dick and Jacob; sisters, Margaret Vanderkooi, Gertrude Smith and Helen Fraaza. Bill had attended Michigan State University where he studied agriculture and science. He then became a bricklayer foreman for 30 years at Muskegon Construction Company and retired in 1985 from Vandonkelaar Construction Company. He was a warm and loving father noted for his quiet sense of humor who saw the positives in people and in life. He will be missed for his wit, patience and acceptance of others. He most enjoyed his loving family and many camping trips, conversations during every family gathering, fishing and gardening. Bill was a charter member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church, where he served as Deacon, Cadet Counselor and on the Building and Grounds committee. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held 11 AM Monday, April 20, 2009 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 6291 S. Harvey Street, Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231-798-1100) with his former pastor, Rev. Keith Mannes, officiating. Burial will be in Norton Cemetery. VISITATION with Bill’s family will be 2-5PM Sunday; and one-hour prior to the service. For a more lasting memorial, you are asked to consider Parkinson’s Research or Calvin Church.
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