Richard "Rick" VandenBerg

Richard Allison VandenBerg carried a strong presence and an even stronger heart—his sturdy build concealed a tender soul. Family and friends recall him as mischievous, generous, and unfailingly kind, someone who could crack a joke one minute and offer steadfast support the next. Over time, he blossomed from a shy boy into a gregarious leader, propelled by faith, love, and a devotion to helping others.

He was born on August 10, 1947, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, amid the country’s postwar optimism. His parents, Dr. Allison and Mildred (Springer) VandenBerg—a Doctor of internal medicine and a nurse-turned-homemaker—demonstrated a deep commitment to caring for others, an ethic that guided Rick’s compassionate spirit. As the oldest of five children, he quickly displayed a knack for mischief: one family tale recounts him and his brother trying to fit their little sister into a clothes dryer. Growing up in East Grand Rapids, he went to Wealthy Elementary School and East Grand Rapids High School, dabbling in ninth-grade football before finding his stride on the wrestling mat. Small at first, he built up strength each season, wrestling all four years and graduating in 1965 with the quiet determination that would define him.

After high school, Rick headed to Hope College to study business. He continued wrestling in the 177-pound class and dove into extracurricular life, competing in “The Pull,” Hope’s storied tug-of-war, in 1965 and 1966, then returning as a coach in ’67 and ’68. During his freshman Pull, he met Mary Browning, who served as his morale girl; they dated casually for a year, then grew more serious in their junior and senior years—he was in the The Fraternal Society, she was in the Sigma Sorority. By the time they graduated in 1969, they were inseparable.

On October 11, 1969, Rick and Mary exchanged vows, beginning a marriage that would span over five decades. Their honeymoon was close to home — Rick had classes, Mary had work — but was still memorable. An ardent Detroit Lions fan, Rick was so frustrated by that year's last-minute loss to Green Bay that he insisted they head home early. Undeterred, they dove back into everyday life: Rick pursued his master’s degree at Western Michigan University while Mary worked at Blodgett Hospital.

When Rick finished his graduate program, his draft number came up. Granted a deferment for a year, he then went to Fort Knox for basic training and Fort Polk for infantry. Though he had signed up for Officer Candidate School, he was rerouted to Drill Sergeant School, finishing first in his class. With many instructors sent overseas, Rick spent about 18 months training recruits stateside, honing the leadership skills that would mark his future. He was honorably discharged and joyfully returned to Mary in Grand Rapids.

Rick’s first civilian role was at Foremost Insurance. Mary shifted to a lab job at Blodgett Hospital. After a short assignment with Sebright Company in Chicago, they settled back in Grand Rapids, where he launched RAV and Associates, a collateral insurance agency so successful it was later purchased by Progressive Insurance. Rising in the ranks, Rick became vice president, overseeing financing to banks across half the country. His business acumen propelled him through nearly 20 years until his retirement in 2003.

During these busy years, Rick and Mary welcomed two sons: Zackery in 1976 and Jeremy in 1979. Rick reveled in “rough and tumble” wrestling with the boys, coaching impromptu yard football, and helping them deliver newspapers in all weathers. Fall break brought “mystery trips” to places like Belize, San Diego, Sedona, or even a cruise—adventures reflecting his spontaneous spirit. Summers were for boating: Rick started with a 17-foot Four Winns, then upgraded to a 22.5-footer named “Risky Business.” The family plied the Grand River from Nunica to Grand Haven, often with Bob Seger on the radio, and explored the Inland Waterway from Conway through Burt and Mullett Lakes to Cheboygan.

Still, Rick couldn’t stay idle after retiring. He worked with his sister Martha at Fusion Properties, becoming a licensed realtor. In 2008, a friend at Macatawa Bank recruited him to manage foreclosed real estate and golf courses for Coastal Real Estate Holding, where he served as president until 2017. Ever modest, Rick joked that he was “retired, sort of,” embracing each new challenge with gusto.

A devoted fan of the Detroit Lions and University of Michigan football, Rick was known to tailgate at Hope College games while listening to the Wolverines on the radio. Classic rock and country tunes—especially Bob Seger, Jimmy Buffett, and Kenny Chesney—fueled his days. He lifted weights throughout his life, stayed remarkably fit, and devoured books on military history. Around the table, he was all but unbeatable at Trivial Pursuit, thanks to a boundless memory for facts.

Rick’s generosity shone through countless acts of service. He tutored kids at Sibley Elementary through his church and became a key figure at Keystone Community Church, serving as the Chairman of the board and guiding the congregation in difficult times. Leading a men’s Bible study called “Deeper Dive,” he offered counsel with empathy, a quality his parents had instilled in him. To his grandchildren, who fondly called him “Pop,” he was the warm storyteller on the couch, the companion on museum trips, and the biggest cheerleader at ball games.

Golf offered yet another avenue for Rick’s community spirit. A longtime member of Greenridge Country Club (which later became Egypt Valley Country Club), he served two terms as president and led the scholarship foundation. He also chaired the board at First Tee of West Michigan, where he championed life skills for at-risk youth through golf. As Treasurer and Director for “Hope for Gabe,” created for his grandson Gabriel—diagnosed with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease—Rick poured his unwavering energy into supporting those he loved.

In June 2024, Rick was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He pursued aggressive treatments, but they proved too demanding, and he chose instead to savor his remaining time with family. True to form, he never complained or questioned his lot, using every moment to reinforce the bonds he cherished. On February 26, 2025, he passed away peacefully at home in Grand Rapids, surrounded by those whose lives he had enriched.

Rick’s story is ultimately one of transformation, faith, and devotion. He evolved from a mischievous boy into a figure whose compassion, humor, and steady guidance touched countless hearts. Friends who gathered at his Lake Macatawa condo for Sunday dinner will forever remember his delight in launching home run derby balls toward the lake, while New Year’s Eve boot hockey on Big Star Lake remains an enduring snapshot of his lively spirit. His true legacy lies in the gift of his time and attention—a reminder that a single person’s kindness can ripple through many lives. Now, when those he loved hear Seger or Chesney, play a round of golf, or tune in to a Lions game, they’ll feel Rick’s presence and know his generous laugh still echoes in their memories.

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VANDENBERG – Richard A. “Rick” VandenBerg age 77, of Grand Rapids, went to be with his Lord on February 26, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Allison and Mildred VandenBerg; brother, Doug VandenBerg; brothers-in-law, Rev. Bob White, Emil Hornack and Dr. John Kemink; and niece, Kristina White. Rick is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary; sons, Zackery (Lisa) VandenBerg and Jeremy (Melissa) VandenBerg; and grandchildren, Ella, Kate, Megan, Savannah, Gabriel and Sophia. Also surviving are his sisters, Julie (Jack Snow) VandenBerg Snow, Martha (John) Richardson, and Mary (Tom) Herington; sisters-in-law, Claudia (Tom) Larson, JoAnne White, Janice Hornack, Janet (Rodney Smith) Kemink, Christine (Don) Maxwell, and Sharon (Dick) Smit; brother-in-law, Jim (Doti) Browning; numerous nieces and nephews; close friends and golfing buddies. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at his church, Keystone Community Church, 655 Spaulding Ave SE, Ada, MI 49301. Following the service will be a time of sharing and fellowship at Egypt Valley Country Club. Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Friday, March 14 at the church and one hour prior to service on Saturday. Contributions in his memory may be made to First Tee West Michigan or Egypt Valley Country Club Scholarship Foundation. Celebrate Rick’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at heritagelifestory.com