Larry Vandermolen

Dr. Larry Dale VanderMolen, age 75, passed away Thursday, December 3, 2015 at Lake Woods Nursing Center after an extended illness, including Addison's disease. Larry was born to Hiram and Margaret (Vroon) VanderMolen in Muskegon, Michigan on March 18, 1940. Larry attended Berean Church as a young boy, and as a teenager became a charter member of the Church of the Open Door. Larry had fond memories of spending summers at his parents cottage on Silver Lake. He loved fishing, boating and climbing the dunes. He also loved playing baseball and watching games at Marsh Field. Larry began his education at Muskegon Christian School, as well as Western Michigan Christian High School. He graduated from Wheaton Academy, Wheaton Illinois. Larry continued his education at Muskegon Community College and then proceeded to earn his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Western Michigan University. At the age of 31 he completed his Ph.D. at Michigan State University. Because of his love of learning, he attended Oakland University and received a Para Legal Diploma. Larry loved teaching! His first two years as an educator began at Orchard View High School. He later spent 30 years as a political science professor at Schoolcraft College in Livonia Michigan. Larry worked to benefit the faculty in many ways, serving on the Faculty Forum. He greatly influenced benefits for his fellow teachers, as well as, helping to set standards for students, which would be valuable for their continued education. Larry enjoyed moving back to Muskegon in 1985, renewing old friendships and working as a Republican precinct delegate. He enjoyed writing for newspapers across the United States and hosting a television show. As a high school teacher at Orchard View, Larry met Lynn Alice Nelson, a 3rd grade teacher. They married on August 18, 1962 and enjoyed 53 years together. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rob, a very special visiting nurse who came to our home for several years in order to make Larry's life better. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to everyone at Lake Woods for their wonderful care, as well as those from Hospice who were also very excellent. SURVIVORS Larry is survived by his loving wife, Lynn Alice. He loved and was proud of his five children, Kristen (John Patrick) Uganski, Scott (Kim Timmerman) VanderMolen, Ann VanderMolen, Todd VanderMolen and Kathleen (Barry Tilford) VanderMolen. He also leaves behind grandchildren, Alex (Justina Becklin) Uganski, Leah and Julia Uganski, Daniel Ribbink; and great grandchild, Mia Uganski. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as, two older sisters, Marcia (Rev. Thomas) Thompson of Colorado and Shirley (Neal) Benson Jack of California. SERVICE A private memorial service will be held by the family. Burial will take place in Twin Lake Cemetery.