Richard A. VanDam

Richard (“Chief”) VanDam, 86, went to be with his lord and savior on Monday, February 10, 2025, with his family by his side. Richard was born on April 6, 1938, in Kalamazoo, MI, to the late Harold and Marie (Kallewaard) VanDam. Early in his adult life, just a few short years after graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School, Richard married his best friend and the love of his life, Nadine (Sturman) VanDam, on September 26, 1959. Over their 65-year marriage, they were blessed with five beautiful children, who have continued expanding the family even more.

Richard was one of the founders and owners of VanDam & Krusinga Building Contractors in Kalamazoo, MI, where he proudly served his community for over 35 years. Besides working hard, he had many hobbies throughout his life. He enjoyed bowling and golf, but most of all, hunting and fishing. Spending time in the woods or on the water were some of his biggest passions. He loved sharing these experiences with friends and, especially, family. He also found great joy in the little things in life. He loved trying the latest and greatest restaurants or a hole-in-the-wall diner off the beaten path, and he would never turn down trying a new sweet treat. Whether it was deer hunting in Canada, bass fishing in Northern Michigan, or “bluegillin” on Pretty Lake, these became traditions shared with family and friends that will be forever cherished.

Pretty Lake was a special place for Richard, as he grew up fishing there with his grandpa as a child. Later in life, he and Nadine purchased property to carry on the same traditions with their family, making it their little slice of “paradise” to live out their lives and a place for everyone to always gather. Whether it involved bluegill fishing, watching the grandkids tube, taking the pontoon for a cruise, or the weekly Sunday family dinners, Pretty Lake became a special place and focal point for him to continue sharing with his entire family and many friends.

Richard was the definition of a family man. He would say his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the biggest accomplishments and the pride of his life. He was a cornerstone of the family and would do anything for them. Richard had the biggest heart for anyone who crossed his path. He loved helping people and treated everyone as if they were a part of the family. Richard was a man of God, very strong in his faith, and a loyal member of Heritage Christian Reformed Church for many years.

Richard leaves behind a legacy to be carried on by his surviving family: his wife, Nadine; children Randy (Janice) VanDam, Pam (Fred) Gould, Lisa (Tom) Hunt, Kevin (Sherry) VanDam, and Brian (Givin) VanDam; grandchildren Jonathon (Arika) VanDam, Katie (Cody) Ketchum, Stephen (Shelby) Gould, Melissa (Bryan) Keeley, Ryan Gould, Nathan (Alex) Hunt, Alyssa Hunt, Jackson and Nicholas VanDam, and Kyle, Dylan, and Meredith VanDam; and 8 great-grandchildren: Matthew, AvaGrace, Tanner, Carter, Ethan, Chase, Bryson, and Halle; siblings David VanDam, Tom (Carole) VanDam, and Kay (Henry) Kalkman; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Harold and Marie VanDam, and sister-in-law Bonnie.

The family extends their sincerest thanks and appreciation to everyone who cared for Richard so kindly over the years. A special thank you to his primary care doctor, Jim Hunt, and team for always going above and beyond to ensure he was well taken care of. We would also like to extend a special thank you to all his neighbors at Pretty Lake who helped our parents with many things, big and small. Words truly cannot express our gratitude.

Friends are welcome to join the family for visitation on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 4-7 pm, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 South 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009. The funeral service will be held the following day at 4 pm at Heritage Christian Reformed Church, 2857 S. 11th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009, with a dinner to follow. A private family graveside will take place at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park South. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Pretty Lake Camp, 9123 West Q Ave., Mattawan, MI 49071, or Heritage Christian Reformed Church. To view Richard’s personalized guestbook, please visit https://www.langelands.com.