Paul Vander Sloot

Generous, gracious, and grateful, Paul Vander Sloot lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. "Farmer Paul's" passion for farming was only exceeded by his unwavering faith. He was a man who embodied the principles of his faith, conveying passionate beliefs in his demeanor. Easy to talk to, Paul was never shy about sharing his love of Jesus; his heart's deepest desire was for everyone to know Jesus. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Paul will long be remembered by those he so dearly loved.

As the war in Europe continued to dominate world affairs in 1941, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill addressed the joint session of Congress, asking for help in the form of Arms. The US continued to focus on the growing economy and moving past the Great Depression. People flocked to the theaters to see "Citizen Kane" and "Dumbo," movies that continue to stand the test of time. And, after many generations of parents deciding what teenagers wore, a new revolution of fashion-conscious teenagers became the norm. The conveniences of drive-in movies and fast food were also growing in popularity. It was during these exciting times that Cornelius and Jennie (Wielhouwer) Vander Sloot welcomed their son, Paul, to their family on November 21 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The oldest of the four Vander Sloot children, Paul was quick to protect his sister when his brothers would pick on her. He enjoyed playing croquet in the yard, as well as softball and basketball with friends at home and school. Paul grew up on the west side of Grand Rapids, near Leonard and 8th Avenue, a predominantly farming community. While his family didn't live on a farm, farming always fascinated him.

The roots of Paul's faith were established at the Old Christian Reformed Church, which later evolved into the Free Reformed Church, where his family attended church and Reverand Atkinson presented the Gospel in a way that moved Paul to follow Jesus for the rest of his life. These roots were further nourished during his years at Walker Christian and Unity Christian schools. In his later years, when asked who he admired, Paul reflected on both Rev. Atkinson and Joshua from the Bible.

Paul's first jobs included helping at local farms, working at Standale Garden Center, and working at the Zephyr gas station while he was still in school. After graduating from high school, he began working in the construction industry. After about four years in construction, Paul shifted his focus to tool and die. When he arrived for his interview at Walker Tool & Die and heard a Christian radio station playing in the office background, he knew it would be a good place to work.

Life forever changed when Paul was blessed to meet Laurina Van Kempen while ice skating at Richmond Park. Though they attended the same church, their story began at the park and lasted for 60 years following their marriage on May 10, 1963.

Paul and Laurina first settled into a home near his parents for a few years. Laurina had grown up on a farm and didn't want to marry a farmer, but Paul's fascination with farming eventually led them to buy the farm on Johnson Street. Over time, they built another home on the property, where they would remain for the rest of their lives.

With determination and dedication, Paul worked full-time at Walker Tool & Die and full-time on the farm he established in 1965. Vander Sloot Farm began with beef cattle and crops, and over the course of sixty years, he experimented with various ventures on and off. Paul and Laurina's four children grew up with Paul's very high standards, and while he could be a bit strict, his love for his family was never in question. The farming chores were a natural part of the family's life, keeping them all busy. The children quickly learned that phrases like, "Why don't we go out and…" meant, "Why don't you and I go out and I'll get you started and you can keep going while I move onto the next project."

Despite working with his hands, Paul often relied on his many friendships when something needed fixing. He was very social, could talk to anyone, and quickly made friends. Fondly known in the area as "Farmer Paul," he worked hard to provide for his family and didn't really like taking time away from those duties. However, the family enjoyed a week or two at a rented cottage on Big Star Lake for many years. Though not one to watch much TV, Paul would not carry on much of a conversation when the news or Jeopardy were on.

Paul and Laurina remained active in the Free Reformed Church. He sang in the choir for many years, faithfully attended and supported the church, and also served as an elder. More recently, he and Laurina helped launch the Redeemer Free Reformed Church, and Paul was always interested in updates about the building project. Paul went on a mission trip to Guatemala that opened his eyes to Christianity in other parts of the world and broadened his faith. He went on to make about ten trips over the years, and then supported and encouraged his wife and daughter to take many more. Word and Deed Ministries was founded to support the missions, and Paul remained a faithful participant in any way he could. Paul also served on the school board at Lamont Christian School. After his beloved Laurina passed away on December 31, 2022, Paul felt a profound sense of loss in his life; he missed her deeply.

In Laurina's absence, Paul found comfort in his family, the farm, and his continued activity at church. After facing several medical challenges over the past year, Paul met his Lord and Savior face-to-face on the morning of July 23, 2025.

As we celebrate Paul's wonderful life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying his legacy of unwavering faith, steadfast service, and hard work forward. In each moment we choose faith over fear, share from our hearts, confidently face life's challenges, gather with loved ones, and generously serve and provide for others, we keep Paul's memory alive and inspiring others as he so inspired each of us.

Paul C. Vander Sloot, age 83 of Coopersville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 23, 2025. Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Laurina, and his brothers, Jack and David Vander Sloot.

Paul is survived by his children: Paul & Laurie Vander Sloot, Mary Jo Vander West, Karen Vander Sloot, Mark & Michelle Vander Sloot; grandchildren: Jennifer (Tony) Scheidel, Corey (Melissa) Vander Sloot, Caleb (Stephanie) Vander West, Victoria (Riley) Fish, Rebecca, Anna, Stephen (Kristina) and Abigail Vander Sloot; great-grandchildren: Ajay (Ally) Scheidel, Halia Scheidel, Letty and Graham Vander Sloot, Bristol Vander West, Easton, Sayler and Ensley Fish; great-great granddaughter, Amelia; sister, Jane (John) Koomans; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Jan Vander Sloot, Marlene Vander Sloot, Pete & Minnie Van Kempen, Johanna & Ben Schipper, Pauline & Dave Wallinga; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

His funeral service will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Free Reformed Church, 950 Ball Avenue NE. Friends are invited to visit with Paul's family on Friday, July 25, from 3-5 & 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, and on Saturday at the church beginning at 9:30 AM. Memorial contributions are suggested to either Word & Deed or the Redeemer Free Reformed Church Building Fund. To share a memory or photo, or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.