Marvin Vander Velde

Marvin Vander Velde was a man of integrity and faith. He loved and cared for his family as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. With openness and prayer, he attended to his church family and to any who came to him. Wherever he went he shared the convictions of his heart through words and deeds.

Marvin was born December 28, 1922 in Dorr, Michigan to Oscar and Cornelia (Rooker) Vander Velde. He was the oldest of four children growing up in nearby Grand Rapids, and he came of age during the years of the Great Depression. The family raised rabbits and chickens for food at their home on Cedar Street NE, and to help heat the house the kids often gathered coal that had fallen along the train tracks. Like others of his time who survived the economic crisis and later met the challenge of war, Marvin was numbered among those who have been called “The Greatest Generation.”

From an early age and throughout his high school years, Marvin worked hard to help support his family. Holding such jobs as elevator operator and newspaper carrier meant that Marvin spent a lot of miles biking here and there. In the midst of nation-wide hardship, Marvin’s childhood was filled with “riches” because his family practiced their Christian faith with joy.

After Marvin graduated from Union High School, he worked for the Grand Rapids Press and then joined the U.S. Army during World War II. Even though he had made it known that he could not type well, he was assigned the duties of a maintenance clerk to keep track of truck records. During his time of service that was marked by five major battles in Europe, Marvin was most often posted just behind the infantry. Though he was not in the front lines, he garnered many stories to tell of the experiences that were not combat related, including the time he shook the hand of General Patton. Yet, even more notable was the posture Marvin maintained as follower of Christ. Those around him took note of his behavior and, out of respect and admiration, began calling him “the Deacon." He was the one who was regularly called upon to lead the men in prayer, even years later when they gathered for reunions.

Upon returning home, Marv immediately reunited with his sweetheart, Hubertha "Bertha" Voshol. She had been his backyard neighbor for many years, and the two of them corresponded while he was in the service. Their love and commitment was sealed in marriage on April 5, 1946 in her parent's living room.The newlyweds lived above her parents in an apartment for several years before they moved into a house on Emerald Avenue NE, which became the family home for 55 years and welcomed their four children: Linda, Gordon, Carol and Mark.

Since faith was of the utmost importance to Marvin, it became so for his family. Their spiritual life was nurtured at home and at Fourth Reformed Church, where they were members since Marv and Bertha had married. Church was a large part of their family life and perfect attendance at Sunday school was encouraged, but behavior was mostly modeled by a father who never uttered a foul word and was always available for his kids. He spent time helping the grandkids build Pinewood Derby cars for the Calvinist Cadets at church, and in years to come, he mentored other children for Kids Hope USA, an in-school tutoring program. He also volunteered for Lay Witness Mission and Marketplace Ministries. Marvin’s faith was a matter of the heart and hands.

In his work life, Marv was employed by the Grand Rapids Press throughout his career. He started in the mailroom and then moved to collecting accounts, stuffing papers, and eventually working his way up to Circulation District Manager. His responsibilities grew with each promotion, yet he wasn’t above going door-to-door to deliver newpapers when a critical situation demanded it. Marvin’s work ethic was as strong as his convictions.

When not on the job, Marv raised parakeets and canaries for show and sale soon after marriage. He won several awards for his prize parakeets and at one time had over 300 of the little parakeets in his basement. Marvin enjoyed time spent outdoors and with his family. For summer fun, the Vander Velde’s had first rented lake cottages and then started camping as they ventured farther north into the Upper Peninsula. At home, Marv’s recreation was gardening vegetables and flowers, especially dahlias. He became somewhat of an expert, cross-pollinating various plants and developing his own breed of dahlias that he fittingly named “Bertha". He served as president of the Grand Valley Dahlia Society, but his impact was perhaps more profound underground. He not only planted and cared for dahlias around his home but also at the church’s parsonage and at John Ball Zoo. Even when he eventually had to curtail many activities due to arthritis, Marv still managed to get around on wooden crutches (as he never wanted metal ones) and kept as active as he could.

In retirement, Marvin loved to see his grandchildren come around. He played games with them and captivated them with the stories he told or the humorous sayings. He also had more time for gardening and volunteering at a community garden. He grew tomato plants and even peanut plants at his residence in Whispering Woods. He had always been an avid bird watcher, counting and then reporting the birds he observed in his backyard. Not unlike other birders, Marv disliked sparrows and squirrels that stole birdseed from the feeders.

Being the wonderful storyteller that he was, Marv figured he had the best story of all to tell when he tapped into the Bible. People trusted him with their struggles, because he had a way of letting them feel comfortable enough to share their story. Often he shared his story of faith and took their cares into his prayer life. Each day of his life, Marvin showed genuine love as he poured himself into others, knowing that he might be the only "Bible" that some would read that day.

Marvin’s life was a testament to the God he loved—in his work, his leisure, his church and his family. His love for his wife only grew with each year of marriage, and in the past seven years spent at Whispering Woods, he and Bertha were side-by-side. He helped care for her with all his heart and on December 8, he heard from her heart one more time. Marvin passed away after hearing Bertha say, "I love you."

Having finished the course God had for him, Marvin Vander Velde, age 90 of Grand Rapids, Michigan, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 8, 2013. Marvin is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Bertha; their children Linda and David Randall, Gordon and Nancy Vander Velde, Carol Barnes, Mark and Michele Vander Velde; grandchildren Timothy, Michael (Bina), James (Allison) Randall, Matthew Barnes, Jane, Mike Vander Velde and Diana Vander Velde; great grandchildren Brayden, Alaina, Naina and Sejal Randall; brother, Roger (Helen) Vander Velde; sisters Verna Crapo and Beatrice (Norm) Toebes; sister-in-law Ann DeRuiter and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law Bill Barnes as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Thursday, December 12 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - 1833 Plainfield NE where friends may visit with his family on Wednesday from 5-8 PM and on Thursday from 10 AM until the time of the service. Interment in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Marv's family suggests memorial contributions to Fourth Reformed Church for Kids Hope USA. To read more about Marv's life, to share a memory or to sign the guestbook please visit www.lifestorynet.com