Gerrit Vandonkelaar

Mr. Gerrit M. "Gary" VanDonkelaar, age 85, went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday evening, June 5, 2007. He was born in Muskegon on September 27, 1921 to Joseph and Sophia (VanVeelen) VanDonkelaar and was a life resident of the area. Mr. VanDonkelaar was a veteran of the United States Army having served over seas during WWII from February 1944 to April 1946. He had been employed by Michigan Spring for 26 years, was the vice-president of Wittkop Carbide Die Company for 4 years, and had owned G & L Tool Co. before his retirement in 1985. Gary was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. On October 2, 1946, he married the former Leona Slager and she survives him along with 2 children, Linda Schoolcraft, Muskegon and Rev. Terry (Cathi) VanDonkelaar, Greenville, MI; 1 daughter-in-law, Jane VanDonkelaar, Greenville, SC; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 1 step-brother, Howard (Bea) Johnson; 3 brothers-in-law, John (Linnea) Slager, Robert Slager, Tom (Maria) Slager and sister-in-law, Betty (Frank) Hansen. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 son, Dale VanDonkelaar; 1 sister, Joan Anderson and 1 step-brother, Ronald Johnson. SERVICES will be 11AM Saturday at Trinity Baptist Church (4381 S. Sheridan Dr., Muskegon, MI) with Rev. Scott Church and Rev. Clifford Lones officiating. VISTIATION will be 2-4PM & 6-8PM Friday at The Sytsema Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 737 Apple Ave. 231-726-5210 MEMORIALS in Gary's name may be made to Trinity Baptist Church Youth Camp Fund or Youth Haven, Inc.