Gerald H. Vander Roest

VANDER ROEST, Gerald H.
of Portage Passed away April 30, 2010 at his home. He was born August 13, 1921 in Kalamazoo, to the late Henry and Tina Hybels Vander Roest. Gerald was united in marriage on March 2, 1946 to June Hilton, for a loving 64 years together. Gerald, along with his wife, has been a lifelong member of Haven Reformed Church. He was employed with National Water Lift for 45 years until it became Parker-Hanafin. Gerald loved his family above all else as shown by his enjoyment of his children's activities as well as traveling together with family and friends. He loved to fish and tell a good story and he also loved a good card game at any time. He also served in the role as handyman by helping others with their fixing and repair needs. He was an animal lover, a "Dr. Doolittle" to his furry and feathered friends; truly a man who will be missed very much by those who knew him. Surviving Gerald are his children, Jerry Nancy Vander Roest of Portage and Sue Larry Kingsley of Naalehu, Hawaii; 2 grandchildren, Jeff Kerry Vander Roest and Jennifer Ron Gerrett; 4 step grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Also preceding Gerald in death was a sister, E. Marie Balkema; brother, H. "Bud" Vander Roest, Jr. A Memorial Service will take place Monday, 10:30 a.m., at Haven Reformed Church, 5350 N. Sprinkle Rd., Richland Twp., Arrangements are by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of Southwest Michigan or to the American Red Cross. Please see www.langelands.com for online obituary, register book and condolences. 343-1508