Vandonkelaar, Gerrit Wulfert

Mr. Gerrit Wulfert VanDonkelaar, age 84, passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2006. He was born in Grand Rapids, MI on April 23, 1922 to Wulfert and Lena (DeHoog) VanDonkelaar and had been a resident of Muskegon most of his life. Mr. VanDonkelaar served in the United States Army and was a Veteran of W.W.II where he received 2 Bronze Stars and a Medal of Honor. After serving his country, Gerrit worked as a foreman for Marathon Oil Refinery. He was a charter member of Grace Christian Reformed Church where he served as both elder and deacon. On October 3, 1942, Gerrit married the former Mildred Elaine Steadman, and she survives him along with 3 children, Terry (Sharon) VanDonkelaar of Muskegon, Carol (Tim) Mertz of Yucaipa, CA, and Jon (Janice) VanDonkelaar of Bellbrooke, OH; 1 daughter-in-law, Barb VanDonkelaar of Muskegon; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Bill (Alice) VanDonkelaar of Muskegon and 1 sister, Arnola Chapman of Grand Rapids. He is preceded in death by 1 son, Tony VanDonkelaar and 1 brother, John VanDonkelaar. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 11AM Saturday at Grace Christian Reformed Church (2500 E. Laketon Ave.) with Rev. Marvin Wassink officiating. The Family asks that in lieu of flowers, MEMORIALS in Mr. VanDonkelaar's name may be made to Grace Christian Reformed Church.