Dorothy VanDyk

Throughout her rich and rewarding life, Dorothy VanDyk inspired those around her with her unending love, her gracious generosity, and her unwavering faith. She viewed each step in her life as part of the Lord’s perfect plan for her while continuing to nurture the precious relationship she shared with her Heavenly Father. A devoted wife and loving mother, Dorothy was the matriarch of her family who was overjoyed to witness her family tree grow to include countless branches of dear ones. Her family finds comfort in knowing that this life is not the end, and that Dorothy has been reunited with those who have gone before her into their eternal home.

Nearly a century has passed since our nation dealt with issues like unsafe working conditions, a lack of child labor laws, and the growing footprint of countries that fell victim to WWI overseas. Children were more commonly found in the workplace than they were in schools, with less than 10 percent of those students going on to graduate. Amidst this time of unrest was the year 1916 that brought great joy to one young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they were blessed with the birth of their firstborn child. Dorothy Helen was the oldest of four children born to her parents, John and Blanche (Anderson) Moerman, on March 4th. She was raised on the family farm located off Peach Ridge between Six and Seven Mile Roads alongside her siblings, Lester, Laurine, and Elwin.

Dorothy experienced a childhood that was reflective of the times. She spoke fondly of her formative years, and this was a significant time in her life as it was as a young girl that she took the hand of the Lord Jesus Christ, walking hand in hand with him for the rest of her life. Dorothy attended Trinity Congregational Church where she accepted Jesus as her Savior at the age of 12 and was baptized at that time. She learned to make due in every situation, remaining content through both the peaks and valleys of life. Dorothy attended local schools for a time and later did housework in the area.

Life was forever changed for Dorothy when a particular family moved in across the street from her home. This family included a young man right around her age named Thomas VanDyk, and it was he who stole her heart. They began dating, and their love for one another blossomed over a six year period. With a desire to build a life together, Dorothy and Tom became husband and wife in 1936. The newlyweds initially moved into a house on Three Mile Road near Walker Avenue, which is where they welcomed their son, Thomas, into their hearts. The VanDyks moved several times over the years, and they also grew in number with the births of Janice, twins Dale and David, and finally, Roger.

From the moment she became a mother Dorothy completely embraced her new role. She stayed home to focus her attention on her bustling household. Dorothy was an extraordinary homemaker who liked things to be clean and was somewhat of a magician in the kitchen. Not only were her meals tasty, but she could make something out of nothing, stretching their family food budget to great lengths. One of Dorothy’s thriftiest dishes was something she called poor man’s soup that consisted of canned tomatoes with bread that was practically stale. She also worked wonders in pinching pennies in clothing her family and nearly any other household need. They always remained rather close to home, not needing elaborate vacations or entertainment but finding fun in simple things like trips to the zoo, frequently entertaining relatives, or gathering around the radio to listen to stories. Blessed with the gift of hospitality, Dorothy hosted friends over for the evening at times, too.

Faith continued to play a vital role in Dorothy’s life. As a family they attended Trinity Reformed Church for several years, but later became charter members of Remembrance Reformed Church in 1956. Dorothy was fairly active at church including as a Sunday school teacher and as a youth sponsor with her husband, Tom. Her faith was always a personal journey for her, Dorothy’s Bible heavily marked with passages that spoke to her heart.

Later in life Dorothy continued to find joy in her walk. She enjoyed visits from her children as they grew older, often after church on Sundays. Dorothy treasured being a grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother, and she was always willing to turn a listening ear to whichever young one needed someone to talk to. She and Tom liked doing some traveling, which mainly meant going to see their daughter in the Upper Peninsula or their son in Florida.

Dorothy was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved Tom in 2005, but she drew strength from both her faith and the love of her family. She kept busy with knitting and crocheting and looked forward to phone calls from her children. A short time after Tom’s death Dorothy moved into the Edison Manor where she very much enjoyed her new life and the company of new friends. She continued to sew, even helping mend and repair things for others living there. The past few months have been hard for Dorothy with the deaths of two of her sons, but she continued to love and trust the Lord.

All who knew Dorothy VanDyk would agree that she was so easy to love. She remained sharp-minded throughout her life and never wavered in her beliefs or convictions. Dorothy’s love for and devotion to her family was unmatched, her family her greatest reward on this side of heaven. She was a true helpmeet to her husband, and as mothers go Dorothy’s children say that they were blessed to have had the very best. She valued hard work as evidenced by the way she lived her life each and every day. Dorothy will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Mrs. Dorothy VanDyk, age 96 of Grand Rapids, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 16, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas R.; her sons, Dale and Roger VanDyk; her brother, Lester Moerman; and her grandson, Ryan VanDyk. Mrs. VanDyk is survived by her children Thomas (Lois) VanDyk Jr., Janice (Jim) Goldthorpe, David (Judi) VanDyk; her daughters-in-law Gloria and Brenda VanDyk; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; sister, Laurine Giese; brother Elwin (Antoinette) Moerman; sisters-in-law Ruby Fritz and Marion VanDyk Portner; as well as several nieces and nephews. Dorothy was a charter member of Remembrance Reformed Church where her memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 20 at 2 PM and where friends may visit with her family from 12:30 PM until the time of the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Christian Rest Home Foundation are appreciated. To read more about Dorothy's life, to share a favorite memory or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com