Don Willard Vredevoogd

Born and raised in Grandville, Michigan, Don was a Grandville High School graduate from the class of 1950. After graduation, he served his country honorably in the United States Air Force. Upon return from the service, Don met the love of his life, Sharon Karrip. They were married on August 31, 1956, and had four children of whom he was incredibly proud.

Throughout his life he was a passionate supporter of Grandville and the school district. He served on the GHS Athletic Boosters and was all about attending the extracurricular activities his children and grandchildren chose to pursue including swim meets, plays, musicals, choir concerts, dance competitions, wrestling matches, football games, cheer meets, soccer games, baseball games, and rugby matches. He loved it all and attended GHS events well into his later years. To many around Grandville activities he was known as “Grandpa Don." This was also true for the teachers and kids at his daughter Kathy’s dance studio. Additionally, he coached/volunteered in Grandville little league baseball, rocket football, and kids wrestling.

Don spent his entire 40+ year work career at Steelcase, Inc. in production and supervision. He was well known as hard working and a fair boss. His mother-in-law once said, “Don would give the shirt off his back to help a friend in need." He was truly a great son and friend, as well as a devoted dad, grandpa, and great grandpa. We will miss him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents Peter and Evelyn Vredevoogd; parents-in-law Kathryn Karrip and Eli Karrip; siblings June (Walt) Woodhouse, Bud Vredevoogd, Lois Page, Clara (Al) Cronheim, Neva (Bob) Austin, Shirley Hartwell, Harley Vredevoogd, Marion “Mickey” Siebers, Diane (Doc) Tilma; and son-in-law, Hamid Najmolhoda. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Sharon; children Kathy Najmolhoda, Mike (Michelle) Vredevoogd, Jeff (Loanne) Vredevoogd, and Dean Vredevoogd; brother, John (Joan) Vredevoogd; brothers-in-law Ray Hartwell, Lynn Siebers, and Sam (Doreen) Karrip; grandchildren Tim (Yoko) Najmolhoda, Lauren (Ben) Ross, Molly (Mike) Ruis, Mason (Jessica) Vredevoogd, Max (Nia Laureano) Vredevoogd, Bryce Vredevoogd, Clark (Lindsey) Vredevoogd, Blake Vredevoogd, Ingrid Vredevoogd, and Jayne Vredevoogd; great-grandchildren Kate Najmolhoda, Jack Herrema, Simone Ross, Jace Ruis, Beau Ruis, Romy Ruis, Ezra Vredevoogd, Charley Vredevoogd, and Quinn Vredevoogd; and many nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to: The Grandville Education Foundation,

3843 Prairie Street SW, Grandville, MI 49418

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=NYMV8KXUTG78N

A celebration of life will be held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Sunnybrook Country Club, 624 Port Sheldon St. SW, Grandville. A light lunch will be provided. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guest book online.