Peter Vander Jagt

Peter “Pete” VanderJagt was a devoted husband, caring father and attentive grandfather. He diligently provided for his family, all the while exemplifying a work ethic that exceeded the norm. Strong in character and calm in demeanor, Pete lived his life with genuine kindness and profound integrity.

Peter was born to Cornelius and Lena (Hart) VanderJagt in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 15, 1924. The nation was recovering from the First World War and straining to rebuild its economy. By the end of the decade, stock markets fell and countries around the world experienced long years of economic depression. Like others of his generation who survived a financial crisis and a second world war, Pete was shaped by the values of duty and sacrifice.

Along with his brother Orie and sister Jean, Pete grew up on the city’s west side, attending school at West Side Christian School and going to church at Alpine Christian Reformed Church. Their stable upbringing included fun times at the family cottage on Silver Lake in Rockford. Pete had the best of times on that lake—swimming and doing a lot of fishing.

Pete graduated from Christian High School in Grand Rapids and started attending Calvin College. However, World War II was ramping up, and he left school to join the U.S. Army. He served in the Air Corp as an airplane instrument mechanic and engine mechanic. Fortunately, he did not have to serve overseas, and when he was honorably discharged, Pete returned to life in Grand Rapids.

Once home, Pete got a job working at his father’s meat market. He attended church as usual, but something out of the ordinary happened one fine Sunday. A young woman named Dorothy Holleman caught his attention, and the two of them began a relationship that grew in love and commitment. Pete and Dorothy were married on October 21, 1947—a Tuesday, the day of the week that Pete didn’t work because of post-war meat rationing. Ten years later they were blessed with the birth of their daughter Linda.

Pete’s work history was laudable and diverse. After gaining experience at the meat market, he owned and managed two five-&-dime stores. Then he started working in the wholesale industry for Name Brand Pen Company and finally with Action Wholesale, an office supply company. Pete was a dedicated worker, making sure the job was done right and to completion. He never took a sick day, and he often came home late on Fridays because he stayed to finish work that others left undone as they headed out for the weekend. As a matter of course, Pete went above and beyond expectations, not because he had to but because it was the right thing to do.

Early in their marriage, Pete and Dot began renting a cottage on Big Star Lake for the second and third weeks of July. They liked the vacation spot so much that soon Big Star was a family tradition, and they eventually purchased one of the cottages they had frequently rented. Though he often remarked, “It never rains at Big Star,” Pete loved being there even if it was raining. For a man who worked as hard as he did, the lake was a perfect get-away, as indicated by his mood. He was rarely grumpy, but when it came time to pack up and go home, Pete showed that seldom-seen side of him.

Another way Pete liked to relax was with the game of golf. He and Dot started golfing in their late 30s and enjoyed their time together as well as with the many friends they made. They belonged to Western Greens but played in other leagues and went on several golfing vacations with friends. They only gave up the game when her health made golfing difficult for her. As Dot’s true companion, Pete gave it up as well.

Pete and Dot shared a wonderful life. They did everything together. She was the go-getter, the energetic fireball, and he was very even-keeled, patient and easy-going. Pete may not have been overly outgoing, but he truly enjoyed the company of their friends. He especially liked attending Grand Valley State University basketball games with friends, and he regularly went for morning coffee at Sandy’s with the guys.

When their daughter was grown and had children of her own, Pete and Dot relished the time spent with their grandchildren. They were eager to see the grandkids any time, but they especially enjoyed taking them to the cottage early on weekends. Pete had a lot of fun and patience with them—he played with them and fished with them off the dock. No matter what activities the grandkids were involved in, they could count on Grandpa and Grandma being there to encourage them and celebrate their accomplishments. Then later, he very much enjoyed being a great grandpa.

Around home, Pete made sure he read the newspaper daily and, during the summer, he worked in the yard. He was the kind of guy who believed you could never run the mower too rich, so a familiar white smoke followed him around the yard as he mowed the lawn on Myrtle Street, their longtime home. Among his other habits, Pete attended Richmond Reformed Church, where he was a faithful member over many years.

Though he was not usually verbal about his faith, Pete demonstrated his deep convictions in the way he lived. Because of God’s love for him, Pete shared it with others—none more intently than toward his wife. As Dot’s health declined, Pete took wonderful care of her and was stubbornly determined to maintain his own health so that he could attend to her. Sadly, his beloved Dot passed away in August of 2009, and though Pete remained at home, his own health began to suffer. Even with rapid decline in his last months, that made it difficult for him to get around, Pete’s independent spirit wouldn’t allow him to seek help from others. He passed away on Friday, July 2, 2010 at the age of 86.

Pete will be greatly missed and dearly remembered by those who knew him as a loving family man, cherished friend, and faithful servant of God.

Mr. Peter VanderJagt, of Grand Rapids, Michigan was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy. He is survived by his daughter Linda (Kym) Smith; grandchildren Brian DeVries and fiancee Jessica Babbitt, Sara (Paul) Huesdash, Amy DeVries; great grandchildren Abby, Destanee, Cole and Zack; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Margaret Bovenkamp, Garrett (Marcia) Holleman; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 7 at 10 AM at Richmond Reformed Church, 1814 Walker Ave NW. Relatives and friend may visit with Peter’s family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van’t Hof Chapel on Tuesday evening from 7-9 PM. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society are appreciated. To share a favorite memory of Peter or to sign the online register, please visit www.lifestorynet.com