Edward M. Van Driel

As a kind and tender hearted man, Edward M. Van Driel, naturally drew people into his life. His friends and family respected him greatly, both for his strength of character and his unconditional love. Ed was continually guided by strong values, values that made him a lasting and positive impression on all the lives he touched. Some people believe they are a successful in life judging by how many material possessions they have. Ed knew better - his undying love for his family and his God were most important to him and guided this man throughout his daily life. He walked his life as a Christian and impacted not only his life, but the many people he met on his walk.

The 1910's was a decade of great change for America. It was the decade when the United States was first considered a world leader; a time when America had become the most industrialized country in the world. Countries all over the world idealized America, craving its technology, music and clothing. The availability of products, particularly automobiles, changed the social climate forever. During this period of great transition in our country's history, Martin and Elizabeth (DeClark) Van Driel of Grand Rapids, Michigan, welcomed their fifth child into the family. Their first son, Edward (Ed), was born on September 4, 1912. Ed was preceded by four sisters and the family eventually expanded to include another child for a total of six children. Ed was baptized and became a lifetime member of West Leonard Christian Reformed Church.

Martin Van Driel was a wood worker in the furniture factories and his mother, Elizabeth, was a homemaker, tending to the nurturing of her family. When Ed was only 6 months old, his family moved into the only family home Ed would know, at 1309 Garfield, NW in Grand Rapids. As a youngster, Ed attended elementary school at the West Leonard Street School. Ed loved his sisters and maintained a close relationship with them throughout his life. He would regale with fondness the many times the Van Driel children would set up a stage in the garage and put on plays for their family and friends. Their childhood years were filled with many happy and fun times.

After graduation from Union High School, Ed went to work as a general laborer in the furniture factory. He also worked in the shoe department of Herpolshimers, an upscale and respected clothier in downtown Grand Rapids, and as a bagger in a neighborhood grocery store. It was while working at the grocery store that he met the woman who would become his wife, Anne Baar. As Anne walked by Ed, she caught his immediate attention. Ed was quite smitten and asked Anne for a date. Their friendship developed into a loving relationship and the couple was married on May 4, 1939 in a double wedding with Anne's sister, Nina. Nina was becoming the bride of Bud Zoet. The double wedding was the talk of the town and the church was filled with family, friends and well-wishers. The newlywed couples even shared their honeymoon together in Niagara Falls with adjoining rooms at the hotel. As the years passed by, the couples remained close and shared many wedding anniversaries, holidays and vacation memories together.

On April 4, 1943, Ed was drafted into the Army. He served in the South Pacific on the island of New Caledonia. While attending a church service, Ed met up with four other G.I.'s from Grand Rapids and they became lifelong friends. They called themselves the "New Cal" Gang. The friends took many vacations together over the years and enjoyed many family parties and gatherings.

When Ed returned home from his tour of duty, his family was there to greet him. Anne stood back and let his family greet him first, then she went into the arms of her husband. This memory was one that remained with Ed forever and spoke to him of the generosity and kindness of his loving wife.

They moved into the home of his mother so they could help her, and did so for the next 24 years. Ed went to work at General Motors loading box cars at the 36th St. plant and later transferred to the Alpine Fisher Body plant where he retired as shipping foreman. Ed was a hard worker and had a strong work ethic. He took his responsibilities as a husband and father seriously and provided well for his family. Ed and Anne's marriage was blessed with the births of their children; daughter, Suzanne, was born on March 3, 1947; and son, Mark, was born on May 25, 1952. Ed retired from General Motors after 37 years of dedicated service.

Ed was a warm and loving father, committed to raising his children as Christians enfolded within the arms of God. He always made sure family devotions were said after each meal and it didn't matter if the children had friends waiting for them, or had other plans for the evening. He was emphatic about this ritual and never waivered. Ed always encouraged his children to do kind things for other people. He would often send Mark out to shovel snow or mow lawns for their neighbors and told him to never accept payment for his services.

Ed was a servant of God and he wanted Him to bless his family as he had been blessed. He served as a deacon at church, attended and led men's bible study, served on the building committee at church, and was on the school board for the West Side Christian School.

Ed had a great sense of humor and always had lots of friends and family around. He always had time for his children and if they wanted to something other than what he had planned, he would change his plans and do what the children wanted. Fishing and hunting were some of the family's favorite pastimes. The family remembers the special trips they took to Big Star Lake, trips to the Reed City Hotel for dinner, Bois Blanc Island to Uncle Duke's cabins, or to Milwaukee to see Aunt Margaret. Sunday meals were a favorite of Ed's and he particularly enjoyed the beef roast with potatoes and green beans dinner and "Dutch Lettuce".

After his retirement, Ed and Anne were inseparable. They looked forward to the winter trips to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to spend time with Nina and Bud Zoet. They enjoyed senior trips with the church group and spending time with their grandchildren. The grandkids were loved deeply and they brought Ed much joy. Ed was always concerned about the family and took pride in watching his grandchildren grow up. He loved the holiday gatherings and made sure that everyone had fun and shared laughs together. He and Anne attended all their activities and made an effort to be apart of their lives. Ed was overjoyed when he was presented with his great grandson, Zebb.

Ed had many interests, with golf topping the list. Even if he was in the middle of mowing the lawn and the phone rang with an invitation for golf, Ed would stop mowing, pick up his clubs and head to Gracewil for a round of golf with his foursome of golf buddies.

He enjoyed music and would sing while Anne played the piano. He couldn't read music, but he could belt out a song. "Ragtime" was his favorite style, but he also enjoyed the music of the singing groups, the Heralders and the Gaithers. He also had a sweet tooth that could be quenched by Russell Stovers' dark chocolates or any flavor of ice cream.

His legacy was his devotion to Anne. He sat with her everyday at the Rest Home and cherished their time together. When Anne died in April of 2003, he commented that his prayers had been answered because she died first and he had the opportunity to care for her. This is when he remembered her kindness to his family when he returned home for the service.

"The greatest gift Ed left his children and grandchildren was his wonderful example of walking daily with the Lord. His life was a reflection of what it means to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your path" - Prov 3: 5 and 6. For 93 years Ed's trust and hope was in the Lord, His Savior. His care and devotion in the years of Anne's illness were an inspiration to his family and all those who knew him. He made countless trips walking the halls from the manor to the Rest Home to be by her side. Friday morning Ed walked the halls of the rest home one last time and went from the arms of those who daily and faithfully cared for him straight into the arms of Jesus". He entered heavens' gates with thanksgiving for his wonderful life.

Edward M. Van Driel died on December 16, 2005. He was preceded in death by his wife Anne of 63 years; and sisters, Kate Ludwick, Pauline Hondorp, and Mary Kroes. Edward will be lovingly remembered by his children, Suzanne and Rick Henningsen of Howard City and Mark and Jane Van Driel of Grand Rapids; his grandchildren, Marijane and Brian Vander Kooy, Jodi Van Driel, and Craig Van Driel; and great-grandson, Zebb Vander Kooy. Also surviving are his sisters, Janet and Duke Folkertsma of Grand Rapids and Margaret DeYoung of Maryland; brother and sister-in-law, Bud and Nina Zoet; sister-in-law, Ruth Baar, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Edward M. Van Driel died on December 16, 2005. He was preceded in death by his wife Anne of 63 years; and sisters, Kate Ludwick, Pauline Hondorp, and Mary Kroes. Edward will be lovingly remembered by his children, Suzanne and Rick Henningsen of Howard City and Mark and Jane Van Driel of Grand Rapids; his grandchildren, Marijane and Brian Vander Kooy, Jodi Van Driel, and Craig Van Driel; and great-grandson, Zebb Vander Kooy. Also surviving are his sisters, Janet and Duke Folkertsma of Grand Rapids and Margaret DeYoung of Maryland; brother and sister-in-law, Bud and Nina Zoet; sister-in-law, Ruth Baar, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at West Leonard Christian Reformed Church , 1053 Leonard St. N.W.in Grand Rapids.. Friends and relatives may meet his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Van't Hof Chapel, on Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and at church on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Please visit Ed's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory or sign the online guestbook. The family would like to say a special thank-you to the Christian Rest Home for their loving care of Ed and Anne over the years. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Christian Rest Home.