Adrian Vander Starre Jr.

With a journey that spanned times of war and peace, plenty and want, grief and laughter, it is clear to all those fortunate enough to know Adrian Vander Starre Jr. that he truly made the most of every moment along the way. He was a constant source of strength, and no matter the circumstances, he was the rock of his family and his community. Nothing brought Adrian greater joy than surrounding himself with his loved ones. His heart of kindness was an inspiration to all, and he exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord he loved so much. Deeply loved, Adrian will be forever cherished.

The early 1930s are remembered as some of the most difficult years for those living in the United States. The Great Depression was in full swing following the historic stock market crash just a few years before, casting a shadow over the country. In the midst of such a dark time, however, there was a ray of light in the lives of Adrian and Johanna (Van Veelen) Vander Starre of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they excitedly looked forward to the arrival of their fourth child. On September 9 of 1932, they were thrilled to announce the birth of their son, who they named Adrian Jr. after his father.

Growing up, Adrian was a typical boy of his generation. He was raised in the family home alongside his three older siblings, Anne, Evert, and Connie, and was a big brother to his two younger sisters, Jo and Irma, as well. Adrian’s father ran a cabinet making shop while his mother cared for the home and the children. Throughout his childhood, Adrian attended Baxter Christian School and Grand Rapids Christian High School. He graduated in 1950, eager to see what the future had in store.

It was around this time that Adrian met Margaret Vigh, the girl who would forever hold the key to his heart. She had immigrated with her parents and six siblings from Hungary at the age of 14. Margaret’s family was sponsored and supported by Oakdale Park Christian Reformed Church, where Adrian attended with his family. Margaret was four years younger than Adrian, but he was smitten from the first moment he saw her, standing in front of the congregation with her family.

After graduating high school, Adrian enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country from 1951 to 1955. Adrian always said he joined the Navy to wait for Margaret to grow up. So, when he returned home, he asked Margaret out on a date. The rest was history. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Adrian and Margaret were married at Park Congregational Chapel on June 21, 1957. The happy couple then enjoyed a honeymoon to Niagara Falls before settling into an apartment while Adrian attended Calvin College.

Before long, Adrian’s little family began to grow. He and Margaret welcomed their first child, Kay, in 1958, followed by Mark and Sheryl a short time later. Their family was completed with the addition of Jeanne in 1966. Adrian and Margaret raised the children in their longtime home on Delange Street. He was a fun-loving father who would hide under Sheryl and Jeanne’s beds to scare them and grab their feet. Adrian’s kids were his pride and joy. He loved treating them to vacations, forming countless wonderful memories. For over 30 years, the entire Vander Starre family would get together for Spring Break in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Adrian was not the kind of man to shy away from hard work, a quality that served him well in his career. In 1959, he was sponsored by the Grand Rapids Foundation to attend the University of Michigan and earned his master’s degree. Adrian went on to accept a job as an accountant at BDO Seidman. While working for them, he audited the RJ Tower Corp. He was later hired by them as their Controller. In 1980 he accepted the opportunity to purchase the company. Adrian poured into the business, leading it into an era of great success. He sold the company and retired in 1994.

Later in life, Adrian was overjoyed to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. He adored and loved his grandkids and doted on them endlessly. Adrian loved building woodworking projects for the grandchildren, everything from school bus toy boxes to special bookshelves with secret compartments. He often had the family over to enjoy some time in the pool, and he loved hosting for the holidays. Adrian would often say that his family was truly his biggest blessing.

Adrian’s faith was the sturdy foundation of his life, and he was very active in his church and his community. Over the years, he and his family were involved members of various churches, including Oakdale Park Christian Reformed, Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed, Calvary, and Ridgewood Christian Reformed. Adrian served on many committees. While serving as a deacon, he hosted a refugee family from Cuba. Adrian and Margaret helped the family of three adjust to life in the United States, and he was affectionately known as their “American dad.” Adrian lived out his faith each and every day.

Never one to sit still for long, Adrian pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He was extremely handy and always had a project going. Adrian could often be found sitting in a chair with headphones, listening to music. He was an avid reader of the newspaper and the Wall Street Journal, and he loved to read his Bible. Adrian enjoyed golfing, swimming, and woodworking. His sweet tooth was legendary, as was his love for chocolate chip cookies and vanilla shakes. Adrian was known for his love of pranks and his sharp sense of humor. He was generous beyond measure but never sought recognition for his acts of kindness. Helping those in need brought Adrian so much joy.

When reflecting on the life of Adrian Vander Starre Jr., it is easy to see both his unwavering determination and his unconditional love for his family. He was a shining role model of kindness and compassion, and as a devoted husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he always made sure to hold his loved ones close. Although he is already so dearly missed, Adrian leaves behind a priceless legacy of faith and family that will be carried on in his footsteps.

Adrian Vander Starre Jr age 93, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday November 21, 2025. Adrian is lovingly remembered by Margaret, his wife of 68 years; his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren: Kay and Jerry Venlet (Anne and Ron Jansen, Eric and Malorie Venlet, Kara and Brock Bykerk), Mark Vander Starre (Jacob Vander Starre, Alex and Rachael Vander Starre, Ben Vander Starre), Sheryl (aka Charlie) and Dale Burghgraef (Kyle Burghgraef, Aaron Burghgraef, Emma Burghgraef), Jeanne and Bob Zwiers (Brad and Gwyn Zwiers, Trent and Emma Zwiers, Drew and Ellery Zwiers, Grace and Brad Benstein, Marcos Asencio), and 21+ great grandchildren; sister Johanna Poll, in-laws Sharon Vigh, Les and Sheila Vigh, Liz Polk and Kathy Vigh; many nieces and nephews who endearingly called him “Uncle LemonAde”. Adrian loved his family and his Lord! He had the best sense of humor and was very kind and generous. His wife, children and family surrounded him in his final days at Faith HospiceTrillium Woods where he received the best care, which we are so grateful for. Also, special thanks to True Blue Caregivers for assisting Dad these past few months. A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Ridgewood CRC (1571 Baldwin St, Jenison, MI). The family will greet friends and relatives at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel (2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW) on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5-7 PM and prior to the service on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 9:30-10:15 AM. Private family interment at Woodlawn Cemetery to follow service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory can be made to West Side Christian School (955 Westend Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504). But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, Philippians 3:20. Celebrate Adrian’s life by sharing a favorite photo or story on his dedicated memory page at Heritagelifestory.com.