Allan George Vanderschoot

Allan, an only-child to Neal and Rita Vanderschoot, was born July 07, 1936 in Chicago, IL. He was raised in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, with a B.S. degree in Science and Education with the Class of 1957.

It was during his first teaching assignment at Jenison Christian School that Al met and married the love of his life, Judy Nagelkirk, an RN at nearby Blodgett Hospital. After earning a Masters degree in education from Michigan St, Al and Judy moved to Phoenix , AZ where Al would begin a distinguished 30-year career as a science teacher at Alhambra High School.

Allan loved raising his four children in AZ, and, for many summers, as soon as the school year ended, he and Judy would pack up the family and move to the Grand Canyon where Al worked as an interpretive Ranger with the National Park Service. There he shared the grandeur and beauty of God’s creation with countless visitors while giving nature hikes, geology talks, and evening campfire programs.

In retirement, Al enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, exploring Arizona, tinkering around the house, and countless fun outings and events with his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. He and Judy celebrated 63 years of marriage last August.

Allan was predeceased by his parents, Neal and Rita Vanderschoot. He is survived by his wife, Judith Lynne Vanderschoot, daughter Susan (Jim) Mohrig, sons David, Jonathan, and Mark, grandchildren Justin (Sarah) Mohrig, Leah (Jake) Mantel, Chase (Morgan) Mohrig, Jocelyn (Richard) Gledhill, and six great grandchildren.

Allan lived his life with purpose. “To glorify God, and enjoy Him forever.” While saddened at his passing, his family takes ultimate comfort and finds great joy knowing that Al is now enjoying God forever, and that we too, who share Al’s faith in Christ, will one day be reunited in heaven.