Gary Vander Lende

Gary (Gerritt W.) Vander Lende, age 84, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, with family by his side.

He was born on August 27, 1941, and was a lifelong resident of Northeast Grand Rapids. Gary devoted his years to family, faith, coaching and education.

He graduated from Grand Rapids Creston High School with the Class of 1959. He went on to attend Calvin College and Western Michigan University, in which he received his Master’s Degree in Physics. He began his career at Creston High School as a dedicated biology teacher and assistant swimming coach in 1963. Prior to the 1967 season, he was named the head swim coach. Gary also was a football coach at various times.

Just before his retirement from Creston High School, in 2006, in which he spent 40 years as the head swimming coach, the Creston Pool was officially renamed “The Gary Vander Lende Pool”.

Gary later continued his passion for teaching at Grand Rapids Community College. Throughout his teaching and coaching career, Gary left a lasting impact on countless students.

He was also a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids.

Gary is survived by four children: Greg (Ingrid) Vander Lende, Dan (Michelle Fox) Vander Lende, Elizabeth Vander Lende, and Allison Vander Lende; four grandchildren: Trent (Kerry) Vander Lende, Jordan Vander Lende, Ericka Vander Lende, Jaden Chalmers; one great grandchild, Vincent Vander Lende; and his brother, William (Kim) Vander Lende.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Gerritt and Ida (Debruyn) Vander Lende; and siblings: David, Phillip and Jayne.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 5-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, and again on Friday beginning at 10 AM. His funeral service will follow on Friday, December 5 at 11 AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 250 Commerce Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. To read more about Gary, to share a memory or photo, or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com