Marinus L. Vande Wouwer

VANDE WOUWER, Marinus L. "Van"
of Kalamazoo Passed away January 31, 2010 at his home. He was born November 16, 1927 in Kalamazoo, to the late Leendert and Froukje Wouters Vande Wouwer, who were both born in the Netherlands. Van was united in marriage on February 12, 1982 to the former Julia "Judy" Colwell, who survives. Van served in the U.S. Navy from January of 1946 until honorably discharged in October of 1951. While serving during WWII and then the Korean Conflict, he served aboard the USS Goodrich, USS Mississippi and the USS Magoffin. He was a longtime member of Third Reformed Church in Kalamazoo. He was employed with Michigan Bell for 42 years until he retired. Also surviving Van are his children, Robert L. Vande Wouwer of Kalamazoo, Carol A. Ronald Manche of Linden, MI, Paul M. Gail Mills Vande Wouwer of Paw Paw and Mark C.Carol Vande Wouwer of Haslett; step-children, Steven Linda DeSmit, Kelly Andrew Wallace and Daniel Veronica DeSmit; 13 grandchildren, Justin, Amanda, Noah Alex, Jasmine, Courtney, Kristan, Cameron, Kyle, Alexa, Daniel Jr., Sarah and Jakob. Also preceding Van in death was his brother, Cornelius Vande Wouwer and his beloved favorite pet, Gretchen. Family will greet friends on Thursday, from 5-8:00 o'clock at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St., where services will be held, Friday at 2:00 o'clock. Committal will follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Association of Retarded Citizen's ARC, Community Advocates, 814 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008 or to Hospice of SW Michigan. Please see www.langelands.com for online obituary, directions, register book and condolences. 343-1508