David Vanderberg

One of a kind, Dave Vanderberg added spice to the lives around him. He was helpful and caring, but above all, he loved his family and was very proud of them. Although conservative in nature, the decade of the 1950s sculpted the culture of America. Everything from music to movies, art and media to beloved comic strips and cartoons introduced households to a whole new way of life. With manufacturing and home construction on the rise, the economy boomed as the suburban dream was being realized, even amid the Korean War. It was indeed a time of change as well as blessings, especially in the lives of Harold and Leona (Jordan) Vanderberg who made their home in Muskegon, Michigan. On March 21, 1951 they lovingly welcomed the birth of their son, David Jay into their hearts. He grew up north of Muskegon in Laketon Township where his family made their home. In time he welcomed a younger brother, Michael. His father supported their family as a truck driver until later when he began his own business, Van Kam Trailer Company. His mother, kept busy working and looking after Dave and his brother. Dave led a typical childhood for the times. During his youth he served as a boy scout for several years, but his interest was geared toward model trains among building various other types of models. Although it took much time and patience, he thoroughly enjoyed this particular hobby well into his adulthood. Dave had the natural ability for fixing things. From early on he liked working on cars and everything about fixing them, especially working with the many tools he came to enjoy. After graduating from Reeths Puffer High School, Dave worked as a mechanic at several places around town and various other jobs. Before long, Dave found himself the father of twin daughters, Rachel and Dawn. Unfortunately, his infant daughter, Dawn only survived a few days. In time he met Darlene Beckman who made all the difference in their lives. As a local school teacher in town, Dave dated Darlene for a few months before she agreed to marry him. On July 5, 1974 they exchanged vows and became husband and wife. Darlene loved Dave's young daughter, Rachel. She adopted her as her own, but their family wasn't complete until they welcomed the birth of their son, Thomas, born in 1979. Dave absolutely loved his children and was very involved in their lives. He coached Toms little league baseball teams for a while and was always very proud of him. In fact, when his son played varsity basketball, Dave was his biggest fan. But one thing he wasn't, was a good spectator. While in the stands Dave's language often got a little rough and required the use of tootsie pop suckers. As a family they made memorable trips to California and Florida. Once they reached their destination, they shared great times together, but there and back was an entirely different story. Traveling was quite a struggle because the kids never ceased fighting all they way! Dave and Darlene eventually bought property on Giles Road. With help from two of his good friends, Steve and Mick, Dave built his family a brand new home. A section at a time, he'd get one completed and then study up on the next. It consisted of two big garages that Dave filled with every tool imaginable! Over the years Dave worked a variety of jobs. He worked in shops, at Muskegon Auto Parts and in the family business at Van Kam Trailers. A strong and burley kind of guy, he often lifted things on his own, even whole engine blocks! With years of wear and tear, his back suffered irreversible damage which he suffered with for the rest of his life. With loads of free time, Dave found plenty to do. He liked tinkering best, and could work on just about anything. He was often found in his garage working on cars and motorcycles, often restoring them to pristine condition. He always worked on several projects at a time. In fact, his daughter, Rachel often called him, "Mr. Fix-It" and referred to 1-800-Call-Dad whenever she needed help with something. Family or friend, Dave could always be counted on to lend a helping hand. His family often joked how Dave could build a house or a car, but couldn't build a simple sandwich! Some of his other interests included collecting Coca Cola memorabilia and items from the Peanuts comic strip. As a big fan of Charles Shultz, he especially loved the many Snoopy characters, but Joe Cool was his favorite. He thoroughly enjoyed his collection of model trains and being a member of the Michigan Railroad Historical Society. He loved street rod cars and enjoyed his membership with the National Street Rod Association and the Good Guys Association. With his children grown with kids of their own, it would be safe to say that Dave experienced his second childhood. He loved spending time with his grandkids and did so whenever possible. For many years he was known to be quite stubborn, and even had a temper, but his beloved grandchildren softened him up. Dave and Darlene enjoyed going out for dinner, as long as the restaurant served the right kind of perch. With Darlene's recent retirement from teaching, she and Dave had plans of traveling around the state together going to flea markets to sell tools and such. This past Sunday, June 5, 2011, Dave and Darlene just returned home from a local flea market when Dave mentioned he didnt feel well. At the age of 60, Dave went on to suffer a fatal heart attack, leaving the paramedics with little that could be done. Sadly missed, he will be deeply remembered in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. SURVIVORS: Wife, Darlene Vanderberg; daughter, Rachel Kwolek; son, Thomas Vanderberg; grandchildren: Jenna, Megan, Jarren, and Darrius; mother, Leona Vanderberg; brother, Mike (Linda) Vanderberg; brother-in-law, Don (Eloise) Beckman; numerous nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Dawn (Rachel's twin), his father and good friends, Steve and Mick. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, June 11, 2011, 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. Gene Walter officiating. MEMORIAL: Community Foundation for Muskegon County-Privacky Memorial Scholarship. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign his online guest book. Clock Life Story-Muskegon Clock Life Story Funeral Home.