Norman Eugene VanDyke

Norman Eugene VanDyke, age 89, went home to be with the Lord on February 13, 2024. He was born April 14, 1934 in Kalamazoo, a son of the late William and Alice (DeYoung) VanDyke.

Norman worked for The Upjohn Company for over 30 years and retired from there. He was married to the former Joan Webster on December 21, 1954. Norman’s career helped provide a good life for his family, and he always put them first. He was a true family man. Over the years, Norman helped build his family’s three homes. Though not known to be handy with tools, he always had a vision and knew how to design the homes to suit their needs. He and Joan loved spending time outdoors, and they always took meticulous care of the lawn and landscaping. The two also helped take care of their church grounds for many years. Norman and Joan travelled extensively over the years. A trip to Germany spurred their love of Hummel figurines, and they acquired quite the collection. Norman also enjoyed restoring furniture, reading (especially the Left Behind series), puzzles, and sports. He would watch golf and football and he especially enjoyed baseball. He was a fan of the Tigers and loved to play catch with his son, Mark.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers: William VanDyke and Douglas (Sue) VanDyke.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joan VanDyke; children, Pamela (Randy) Beach and Mark VanDyke; grandchildren, Sam (Jenna) VanDyke, Gabe VanDyke, Joe Cripe, and Josh Beach; great-grandson, Nathaniel Cripe; sister-in-law, Joy VanDyke; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 11:00am at Texas Corners Bible Church, 7780 S 8^th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, where family will greet friends from 10-11:00am, with a luncheon immediately following the service. Interment will be in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South with military honors provided by the Otsego VFW Post 3030.

Donations in Norman’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Turwill Ln Suite 6, Kalamazoo, MI 49006.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.