Roger VanderVelde

Roger Vander Velde modeled a lifetime of hard work and commitment to the family he loved. A generous and loving husband, father, and grandfather, he treasured the time he spent with his family building memories over the years. His warm spirit and soft-hearted ways will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his many special friends and loved ones for generations to come.

The 1920s saw large-scale industrial growth and significant changes in our nation’s culture. At a time when Lou Gehrig and Amelia Earhart were household names, Oscar and Cornelia (Rooker) Vander Velde welcomed home their newborn son, Roger Raymond, on January 7, 1928, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Joining his older brother Marvin, and later followed by his baby sisters; Verna and Beatrice, he brought great hope and promise to his parents during an exciting time in our nation’s history.

Growing up on the west side, Roger lived a typical childhood of the times. His family started out on the corner of Park Street SW and Gunnison SW and later landed at Ives and Hovey. He enjoyed riding his bike, skating and sledding at John Ball Park as well as swimming in the old pool during hot summer days. After leaving Straight Street School, he moved on to East Leonard Elementary and later Creston High School. Later his family relocated to Cedar on the north end of town where he picked up a couple of newspaper jobs before he later ended up at Jake’s Groceries at the age of sixteen. Known as “Sleech” to his buddies, Roger fell in love with serving his community and enjoyed stocking the shelves and bagging groceries. He left high school by 1946 for basic training at Camp Perry Virginia with the United States Navy. Despite not being able to swim, he loved his time serving as a 1st class seaman aboard the USS Curtiss AV4 as the captain’s orderly in the South China Sea, Guam, and Okinawa. Once he was discharged, he went back to school to earn his GED and learned apprentice photography under the GI Bill. He was proud to begin work at Mirror Photography and James Baine Commercial Photography. Roger was content in anything he set his mind to doing.

Not to be forgotten was the one lucky day while roller skating at Ramona Park when Helen Rickers caught his eye! The two of them hit it off right from the start and were eager to settle down. After a year and a half of dating, they married on October 3, 1953 at Broadway Avenue. Roger took a job at the local A&P grocery store while they lived with Helen’s aunt in an apartment on Oakhill Street. Roger’s strong work ethic landed him the opportunity to become the manager at Heyns Brother Grocery before starting his own store on the corner of 11th and Tamarack, Vander Velde Superette. The business closed after a short time and Roger began selling vacuum cleaners door to door until his luck would change for the better and he accepted a position as a merchandiser at Spartan Stores. He stayed with them for a remarkable thirty-seven years running the audio visual department as well as did photography for them.

He and Helen were blessed with four wonderful children; Deb, Dave, Dan, and Christian who died at birth. They raised their family in a home on Jennette Avenue and later moved to 3515 ½ Leonard Street NW. As a father, Roger was very active. He took his children to their piano lessons, parades, and never missed Easter service at Park Congregational. As a family, they made many lasting memories while camping at Interlochen State Park, Glen Lake, Massachusetts, New York, and the CRC conference grounds. Roger and Helen were wonderful examples of Christian love. They supported missionaries all over the world and hosted many in their home. Christian education was very important to Roger and Helen and they sacrificed much to send their children to West Side Christian and later Christian High School. They were always immensely proud of their children.

In addition to his faith and family, Roger had many special pastimes. He loved to continue his photography and was pleased to take wedding photos for special couples over the years. His green thumb led him to breed hybrid versions of flowers. His favorites were daylilies, irises, and dahlias. Working in his garden brought him peace and made him feel closer to his Creator. His artistic flair led him to painting and jewelry making. Roger learned to cut stones and made several pieces with Petoskey stones and turquoise. An avid music lover, Roger was blessed with a wonderful tenor voice as well as a good listening ear. He gave his children a wide variety of exposure to music and loved to sing with them as well as attend the symphony with them over the years. Roger enjoyed nature and animals. As a result, the Vander Velde home was a welcome home to their several rescue dogs; Waggs, Buddy, Fifi, Motika, Sergeant, Cooper, and Chico.

Roger leaves a remarkable legacy of living life to the fullest and modeling a lifetime of loving unconditionally. When Helen passed in 2015, Roger remained home for a couple of years before needing more care at area facilities. He finally arrived at Edison Christian Health Center where he received the very best of care. Roger lived a simple life of faith. He believed in reading daily devotions and practicing his faith. Anyone who knew him never doubted his love for the Lord. Roger loved all people and wanted nothing more than the very best for his growing family. May his many special friends and loved ones always cherish the wonderful collection of memories he leaves behind.

Roger Raymond Vander Velde, age 93, of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away June 30, 2021. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, in 2015; his infant son, Christian; brother, Marvin Vander Velde; and sisters, Verna Crapo and Beatrice Toebes. Roger is survived by his children, Deborah and James Kok, David and Sherri Vander Velde, Rev. Daniel and Sara Vander Velde; grandchildren, Joshua Kok, Jonathan Kok, Amanda (Aaron) Rossell, Matthew Kok, Sara (Eric) Asubonteng, Daniel (Samantha) Vander Velde, Adrianna, Eli Vander Velde, John David (Hannah) Vander Velde, Alexis Vander Velde, Johnna Vander Velde, Jahari Jones; great grandchildren, Sydney and Christian Kok, Nella Mae, Samuel, Wesley Rossell, Desmond Asubonteng, Scout, Josie Mae, Judah, Ezra and Gideon Vander Velde; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law John (Millie) Rickers and Jackie Vogelzang as well as many nieces and nephews. Roger was a longtime member of Westview Christian Reformed Church, 2929 Leonard Street NW where his funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with Roger’s family at the church on Tuesday from 6-8 PM. Interment in Washington Park Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either Edison Christian Foundation or Westview Christian Reformed Church Memorial Fund are appreciated. To share a favorite memory or photo, or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com