Rev. Gerald Vander Velde

Rev. Gerald Anthony Vander Velde, age 92, passed away at home in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 10, 2023.

Jerry was born on December 25, 1930, to Harry and Mattie (Elhart) Vander Velde in Grand Rapids and was reared in their multigenerational home on Courtney Street. His father was a local business owner, and the family were members of Seventh Reformed Church with strong ties to the neighborhood.

Jerry attended Grand Rapids Christian High School and also supported the family by working for Dykstra Food Company. He realized his call to ministry early and became the first in his family to attend college. After obtaining a BA in sociology from Hope College, Jerry went on to study at Western Theological Seminary where he received his Master of Divinity degree.

Growing up on Courtney Street became even more significant for Jerry’s future when he met his wife, Ardythe Andree, who lived a few blocks away. They were married in 1953 and created a lifelong partnership in ministry over their 67 years together while welcoming and raising four children.

Jerry was ordained to the ministry of the Reformed Church of America in 1958. He accepted his first call as head pastor to Union Reformed Church of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey; followed by service to New Era Reformed Church, in New Era Michigan; Oakview Community Church, in Grand Rapids, Michigan; and First Reformed Church, in Hull, Iowa. After retiring from full-time ministry in 1995, Jerry served as a calling pastor at Richmond Reformed Church and then returned to Oakview as an interim pastor. He retired for the third time in 2018 from a ministry spanning 60 years. He was an accomplished preacher, a minister deeply engaged in pastoral care, and an inspirational mentor to many seminary students.

Jerry loved spending time with his family and friends at the cottage he built at Upper Silver Lake with the help of dear congregants, hosting picnics and skippering boat rides. He enjoyed traveling around Michigan with Ardythe to visit its lighthouses and beautiful parks and beaches, at the same time planting and nurturing trees and flowers in their own backyard. He cherished friendships with many from his youth in Grand Rapids and loved his city, knowing well its neighborhoods, churches, parks, and history.

Jerry is survived by his son David Vander Velde and wife Jane; daughter Karen Richardson and husband Tom; son-in-law Geno Russo; daughter Susan Steele and husband Addison; 15 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Arthur Vander Velde; his wife, Ardythe; and his daughter Beth Russo.

Visitation will be at the Oakview Community Church, 4242 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, on Wednesday, May 17 from 5:00 until 8:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at Oakview Community Church on Thursday, May 18 at 11:00 am. Burial will be held at Washington Park Cemetery.

Special thanks to the care of Leslie Karsten, Faith Hospice, and Atrio Home Care, who made his final weeks peaceful and safe. Contributions in his memory may be made to Oakview Community Church.