Don Van Dyke

Don Van Dyke was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. His incredible integrity was woven throughout a lifetime of hard work and dedication given to any task or challenge set before him. Don’s growing family and his love of the outdoors were his greatest treasures. His humor, his laughter, and his compassion for others will be his legacy. Don leaves behind a rich collection of memories for his special friends and family to cherish forever.

Reflecting on the 1920s, it was a period of sustained economic prosperity with a distinctive cultural edge. The media focused on jazz music and celebrities, especially sports heroes and movie figures. By 1929, the industry was booming until the market crashed just days before Lawrence and Cornelia “Kate” (Schriver) welcomed home their star, Donald on October 23rd in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His father was a glazier at Pittsburgh Plate and Glass and a farmer and his mother was a homemaker. Donald was adopted and their only child, giving them many blessings.

Growing up in the city of Grand Rapids, Don lived a typical childhood. He fondly remembered his time working on his Uncle Sam’s farm in Ada as a youngster. At age nine, he began accordion lessons at J&J Music Shop. He honed his craft enough to play at area wedding receptions. Don also delivered newspapers and bagged groceries. His days were never dull as Don was always on the go. During his high school days, he studied with the drama club and enjoyed acting in their performances. He also met the love of his life, Ruth Stehouwer, in a typing class. He was persistent until they finally went on their first date to a Creston football game and the rest was history! The happy couple dated for about a year and after graduating, they married at the Justice of The Peace on April 26, 1947. The Van Dyke’s made their first home on a farm on Petis Avenue in Kent County. Together they raised four wonderful children: Robert, Danie, Kathleen, and Cheri.

As a dad, Don was not a particularly strict parent, but let his kids know if they had gone too far! He was mostly loving and protective. It was important for him that his children attended church and Sunday School. When the kids were young, Don enjoyed vegetable gardening and having them help out in the garden. He was a good cook and made his mother’s fried chicken recipe that his kids loved! Don took his family on many Northern Michigan vacation trips to swim in the lake or go fishing. They made most of their memories enjoying the outdoors.

To support his family, he became an instructor for the University of Michigan “Town Fire Schools” and taught rural and volunteer fire science classes. For many years, he enjoyed volunteering as a firefighter for Grand Rapids Township and was later promoted to Captain. During this time in his life, he met one of his biological brothers who was working as the fire chief for the Kent County Fire Department. After the Grand Rapids Township merged with the City of Grand Rapids Fire Department, Don became Lieutenant with the City of Grand Rapids Fire Department and also a teacher in charge of fire fighting training. Throughout his career, he wrote many instructional firefighting manuals. He was Battalion Chief until his retirement in 1990.

Don eventually met all of his 13 biological siblings. He went to family gatherings at Jake and Tanzy Geblersma's home, his biological parents on Slayton Lake in Grattan Township. He felt very connected to his biological family. Don’s special interests included his love of country music artists George Jones and Johnny Cash. He also enjoyed using his extra time to seat physically challenged children at the circus and deliver gifts on the holidays. Active in his faith, he was a church deacon, drove the church bus, sang in the church choir, and played on the church softball team. In his retirement years, he spent some winters in Florida, often connecting with longtime friends.

Described as a very generous and good-natured man, making him many lifelong friendships over the years. He was always up for a good time and strived to teach others to be faithful. As long as he was surrounded by his loved ones, his heart was content. There is no doubt that Don’s gentle and caring ways will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Donald C. Van Dyke passed away on December 9, 2024, and leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication to his family. He is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Kate (Schriver) Van Dyke. Along with his parents, Don is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Ruth A. Van Dyke (Stehouwer), daughter, Cheri Lynn, and daughter-in-law, Janet Van Dyke.

Don is survived by his children; Robert L. Van Dyke, Daniel L. (Janie) Van Dyke, and Kathleen R. Doering and grandchildren; Shannon (Martin) Andree, Matthew (Jennifer) Van Dyke, Heather Peters, Danielle (Luke) Young, Laurie (Corey) Bird, Hope Van Dyke, and 10 great-grandchildren, all of whom he deeply treasured.

After 35 years of service with the Grand Rapids Fire Department, Don retired as Battalion Chief and moved to the cottage on the Boardman River, later returning to the Grand Rapids area to be near family. His final years were spent at Porter Hills.

A lifelong sportsman, Don enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips with family and friends. He equally enjoyed the retelling of those adventures with enough embellishment to ensure a good story and a hardy laugh.

The family is most grateful for the loving care provided by his aids at Porter Hills and Emmanuel Hospice.

The funeral will be held at 11:30 AM on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, (1833 Plainfield Ave. NE., Grand Rapids, MI 49505). Friends may visit with the family prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Hospice, (401 Hall St. SW Suite 263, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503) or New Community Church, (2340 Dean Lake Ave. NE, Grand Rapids Michigan 49505).