Philip VanHeest

With a journey that spanned decades of life, laughter, and love, Philip VanHeest enriched the lives of all those who were blessed to know him. He was a constant source of strength, no matter the circumstances, and his irresistible sense of humor could make anyone laugh. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Phil led his family with integrity and wisdom. His faith was his steadfast foundation, and he exemplified what it meant to follow after his Lord. Although life will never be the same without Phil here, he leaves behind a precious collection of memories for his loved ones to hold near and dear to their hearts.

The early 1930s are remembered as a tumultuous chapter in American history. The Great Depression was in full swing following the devastating stock market crash in 1929, making everyday life difficult for many. However, there was much to celebrate in the home of Leonard and Edith (Hanenburg) VanHeest of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they announced the arrival of their new baby. Both Leonard and Edith had immigrated to the United States from the Netherlands.. Phillip Edward made his entrance into the world on June 6 of 1931. Having recently lost their son, Andrew, at the tender age of 18 months, they were overjoyed to have their Phillip in their arms at last.

Phil’s formative years were spent in the family home on Kalamazoo Avenue in Grand Rapids. He was one of six children in the family and was raised alongside his siblings, Archie, Leonard Jr., John, Josephne, and Marguerite. The roots of Phil’s faith were planted at Oakdale Christian Reformed Church, his family’s home church. Holidays were always spent with extended family. The VanHeests took memorable vacations to the cabin on Bostwick Lake, where they enjoyed relaxing picnics and swimming.

Growing up in the turmoil of WWII was far from easy, but Phil found ways to brighten the lives of those around him. Three of his brothers served in the war. Back at home, Phil did his part to support the war effort by planting a victory garden. His older brother, Archibald, was miraculously on leave when his ship, the USS Vestal, was bombed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Thankfully, Archie survived, but his friend and bunk mate died. Phil would also remember waking up on the morning of his 13th birthday to hear the news of D-Day.

Throughout his childhood, Phil attended local schools, including Oakdale Christian and Grand Rapids Christian High. There was a large age gap between Phil and his older siblings. The older siblings took an active part in Phil’s life even when they were working – giving him a puppy, helping with orthodontist bills, and making him feel special. His brother, Len, paid for a YMCA membership so that Phil could train, and his hard work paid off. He built himself into an excellent swimmer and competed throughout high school, into his college years at Calvin College, and he was selected to swim for the US Army at the United Nations competition. Phil taught his skills to others in lifesaving and life-guarding classes. He once completed a 100 mile swim challenge.

It was while Phil was studying at Calvin that he met the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Phyllis Helder, and she was working downtown as an administrative assistant to the head of the Board of Education. The two were first introduced through a mutual friend at Ramona Amusement Park, Reeds Lake. There was an instant connection between them, and the rest was history. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Phil and Phyllis were married on October 28, 1953, at Phyllis’ home church, 12th Street Christian Reformed. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon to Northern Michigan.

Just two weeks after getting married to Phyllis, Phil was shipped out to serve his country in the Korean Conflict. He completed bootcamp at Fort Breckenridge in Kentucky. For his service, Phil received the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Ribbon, and the United Nations Service Ribbon. He returned home and was reunited with his family. Phil went on to receive his Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan. He built his career working for United Way, and becoming the CEO of Health Alliance.

Dedicated to his family above all else, Phil thrived in his role as a father to his two beloved children, Todd and Heather. He worked hard to provide for his family, and as he raised his kids, he instilled in them the values of faith and unconditional love. Each Sunday, the family would have dinner together in between morning and evening church services. They spent their spring and summer breaks traveling all around the United States. Later in life, Phil was thrilled to become a grandfather to Lucas, Brandt, Jared, Caleb, Justin and Mackenzie. He considered himself so blessed to watch his family grow and blossom.

Phil was very involved in his church, both in leadership and in choirs. He was a talented trumpet player and had an amazing singing voice. Phil was a member of Calvin Oratorio and of Rotary International. In his retirement years, he and Phyllis enjoyed traveling the world. He visited many beautiful locations in Europe, Asia, Central America, and the Mediterranean, but his favorite trip was to Egypt and the Holy Land. More than anything, Phil loved being surrounded by friends and family.

As we gather to reflect on the life and legacy of Philip VanHeest, it is easy to celebrate a man who gave so freely of his time and energy in service of others. He was a powerful role model of compassion and faith, and he faced every challenge that came his way with determination and grit. Phil’s family was undoubtedly his greatest treasure, and he savored every moment spent with his loved ones. The impact of his generosity and unconditional love will not soon be forgotten. Cherished by all those he leaves behind, Phil will be forever loved and remembered.

Philip E. VanHeest aged 94, of Grand Rapids, MI, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 27, 2026. Philip was born June 6, 1931 in Grand Rapids, to the late Leonard Sr. and Edith (Hanenburg) VanHeest. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis A. (Helder) VanHeest; brothers and sister, Archie, Leonard, John, Andrew VanHeest, and Josephne Zuyddyk. Philip is survived by his children, Todd (Harriet) VanHeest and their sons, Lucas (Chloe and their son, Foster), Brandt, Jared and Caleb (Leeza) VanHeest; Heather (David) Schutt and their children, Justin and Mackenzie Schutt. Also surviving are his sister, Marguerite Ballast; sister-in-law, Jeanne (Rev. Milton) Doornbos; and many nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr NW. Friends and family will gather beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorials are suggested to West Side Christian School. To read more of Philip’s Life Story, leave a memory or sign the guestbook, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com