Jack A. Vanderbeek

Jack went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday night, October 4th, 2022, in Kalamazoo Michigan. Jack was born May 9, 1947, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, the son of Antonia (Toni) and Peter (Pete). They immigrated to Kalamazoo, Michigan when Jack was just 9 months old.  He was very proud of his Dutch heritage.

Cherished memories of Jack will be held by his brothers, John VanderBeek and Cor VanderBeek; daughter Tricia (Nick) Perreault; son, Kyle (Heather) VanderBeek; his 4 grandchildren, Alex and Sophia Perreault (Rochester Hills, MI) and Audrey and Grayden VanderBeek (Mattawan, MI). He is also survived by his significant other, Debbie Finch, and her loving family Joe (Candie Boehm) Finch, Nicole (Douglas) Russell, John (Chelsea Bowling) Finch, and her grandchildren.

Jack started his professional career at the Kalamazoo Gazette and then worked as a salesman for the rest of his life. Jack never met a stranger and he loved to put smiles on people’s faces. Without a doubt his favorite work was entertaining. He was RT Arty for 50 years, played Santa at the Gilmore Car Museum and performed as various characters at many other events. He worked at Menard’s for the past 10 years and really enjoyed helping the customers.

Jack had a passion for food and cooking. He catered many events and was always volunteering to help others.  He was a blessing to many people and will be dearly missed.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 10th, 2022, from 5 to 8 pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services 3926 S. 9th St. Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 11th at 11:00 am with lunch immediately following. A Graveside Service will take place after the conclusion of the lunch at Portage Central Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Midwest Clown Association 5700 52nd Ave. Kenosha, WI 53144 or Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan 1323 Cedar St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503, in memory of Jack. To leave an online condolence, please visit https://www.langelands.com