Howard Earl VanderVeen's Obituary
Howard Earl VanderVeen, age 88, of East China, formerly of Grand Rapids. Passed away at his home on December 20, 2024. He was born August 9, 1936, in Grand Rapids, MI to the late Harry and Lilly Dale VanderVeen. Howard attended Creston High School then went on to serve with the U.S. Marine Corps with an honorable discharge of Sergent after his service he then attended Ferris State University.
Howard married his love Bonda Kay Goble on April 9, 1960, and they shared 47 years together before her passing. He was fortunate to have a second chance at love and married Constance White on July 18, 2009, and had another 15 years of happiness.
Howard was a proud member of the Casino Men’s Club of Grand Rapids; he drove truck for many years while raising his family and was a member of the Teamsters Union. After driving truck, he pursued a successful career as a business owner. Howard loved living in Michigan and Canada either near or on the water at his cabin on Lake Superior, home on the St. Clair River, Bostwick Lake and his beloved camp on Bergen Lake in Ontario, Canada. Howard was an outdoor enthusiast he enjoyed riding 4 wheelers, fishing, boating. But most of all Howard was happiest when he was spending time and laughing with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Howard is survived by his wife of 15 years, Constance; daughters, Heather (Kevin) Nelson, April Kole (Kirk Lilly); step sons, Jeff White, Jason (Kasia) White; grandchildren, Miranda (Joe Phillips) VanderVeen, Hanna (Dakota) Major, Kayla (Robbins Renn) Kole, Olivia (Sean Lemus) Lilly; step grandchildren, Taylor White, Cooper White, Alexandra White, and best fur buddy, Reggie.
He is preceded in death by his 1st wife of 47 years, Bonda Kay VanderVeen; brothers, Jack VanderVeen, Larry Joe VanderVeen.
A special thank you to McLaren Hospice nurses and assistants on the care they provided for Howard. Howard's remains has been donated to the University of Michigan's Anatomical Donation Program.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday January 11, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel 2815 Fuller Ave. N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49505 with visiting starting at 12:00 p.m. until time of service. Memorials may be made to McLaren Hospice. To leave a message of comfort visit www.youngcolonial.com
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