David VanderSloot

Dave VanderSloot was a very caring man who modeled a lifetime of hard work and sincere compassion for others. A loving and supportive father, he remained exceptionally close with his kids and cherished his role as a grandpa. Dave’s kindness and friendship will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The 1950s were known as the decade of the baby boomer and the modern American family. It was an exciting time in our nation with the many talents of professional baseball player, Mickey Mantle, rock music icon, Elvis Presley, and movie heartthrob, James Dean. Dave was welcomed home to his proud parents as the youngest of four VanderSloot children. His birth brought great happiness to their growing family over the years.

Growing up on the northwest side of Grand Rapids, Dave lived a typical childhood of the times. The family started out at 407 West Leonard before later moving into their newly built home at 975 West Leonard by the time Dave was eleven years old. Active as a child, he enjoyed playing softball and basketball with kids from the neighborhood as well as sledding on the hill near their home. A highlight of these years were collecting coins and family trips to the Detroit Tigers baseball games. The family were members of Turner Avenue Netherlands Reformed Church and Old Christian Reformed Church and leaned on their faith throughout their developing years. An ambitious learner, Dave attended Westside Christian and Walker Christian before graduating with the Class of 1970 from Calvin Christian High School. Anything he set his mind to accomplish, he never settled for less than his best.

His life would be forever changed at the age of twenty-two while ushering at church when he met Marlene Sue Rosendall. He invited her to go with him to the Young People's Group at church and the rest was history! During their year of dating, they enjoyed picking apples at Crawley’s Apple Orchard after their day jobs to save for their honeymoon plans. The happy couple married at Free Reformed Church in Grand Rapids on October 25, 1974. Their hard-earned money was used for their honeymoon in Traverse City. Together they raised four wonderful children; Mathew, Erin, Brandon, and Darryl. Dave’s work at Rodger’s Department Store and Marlene’s job at Resthaven Nursing Home provided them with enough resources to purchase their first home at 2911 Barrett Avenue SW in Grandville. Dave later went to work for Rose Patch Label Company before settling at General Motors as a Diesel Technician. Eventually, they moved to a home on Gridley Avenue in Walker.

As a dad, he was very active in the lives of his children. As hard as he worked, he always left energy for playing games with his family and filling their days with fun! Each summer, they vacationed in a rented cottage or hotel throughout Michigan or traveled to the Great Smokey Mountains and Cedar Point Amusement Park. When he wasn’t busy coaching on the Little League fields, Dave was always planning their next adventure. As they grew older, he loved playing cards and sitting around campfires catching up with his children’s lives and listening to the grandchildren playing in the background. His children always knew they could count on his support and guidance over the years.

Dave held a wide variety of special pastimes. He drove a sharp-looking Camero in his younger years and always had an interest in keeping up with the maintenance of his cars. Having a boat and a trailer was standard in his eyes. Dave loved the water and enjoyed boating for leisure on just about any Michigan inland lake. A generous person, he continued his role as an usher and deacon at church and enjoyed his time as a Santa Girls delivery helper. It was common to see Dave listening to old church hymns or reading the daily newspaper. He enjoyed keeping up on the latest events and activities in the community and around the world. Born with a green thumb, Dave loved growing tomatoes in his garden and sharing his abundant harvest with friends and family. When it came to eating out, he preferred Lanning’s Restaurant, Rainbow Grill, and Mr. Burger. A huge fan of all U of M sports, Dave built his daily wardrobe around his favorite Michigan teams. He was a loyal fan of the Tigers for his entire life.

Described as funny, thoughtful, and kind, Dave will be greatly missed by his loved ones, especially his wife, children, and grandchildren. His family was essential to him and anyone that knew Dave knew how proud he was of each one of them! May his loved ones always feel his warm presence whenever they are gathered and may his memories be eternal.

David James VanderSloot, age 72 of Walker, Michigan passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024, while in the comfort of his home and the company of his family. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on December 11, 1951, to the late Cornelius and Jenny VanderSloot. Along with his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his son, Brandon, daughter-in-law, Brenda VanderSloot, granddaughter, Georgia Noel, brother, Jack, and sister-in-law, Laurina VanderSloot.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marlene Sue [Rosendall], and their sons; Darryl and fiance Leah, Matthew (Kim) and daughter, Erin VanderSloot; grandchildren; Noah John, Makayla, Cassidy, Kambrie, Walker, Carly, Ashley Mya, Lily, Ben, Addyson, Marcia, Justin; great-grandchildren; Zayden and Winnie. Also surviving are his brother, Paul VanderSloot; sister, Jane (John) Koomans, and sister-in-law, Jan VanderSloot.

Friends are invited to visit with his family from 6-8 PM on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – VanStrien Creston Chapel. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 17, 2024, at Walker United Reformed Church, (1941 Randall Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534), with visitation prior beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will take place at Rosedale Memorial Park. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Word and Deed, (PO Box 157, Hudsonville, MI, 49426), are appreciated. To share a memory or photo or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com