Carl John Van Dommelen

Our dad, Carl Van Dommelen, passed away quickly and peacefully on August 26, 2024, still as quick-witted as ever at age 99, and always with one more story to share. He was born in Grand Rapids, where he grew up working at his parents’ meat market and grocery store, often telling how he snuck a sample from the pickle barrel as a little guy and later drove the delivery van at age 12. A justifiably proud WWII veteran, he enlisted when he graduated from high school at age 17 and served in the Naval Air Corps, rated as an Air Traffic Controller, in Beeville, Texas. After the war he attended Grand Rapids JC, while continuing his earlier food-business connection by working in the office at Borden because, he would say, it allowed him “to sleep a little later than being a milkman.” Soon after he moved his young family to East Lansing and then Okemos, working in insurance for 40 over years, first as a claims adjustor and later as an agent. Throughout his life Dad had a wide circle of friends, charming them with his gregarious nature and compelling storytelling. He loved sports of any kind, both as a spectator or participant. When he was younger, he raced Catamarans at the family cottage and later rode wave runners on the lake and the Grand River, until (as he vividly told it) he was attacked by an indignant swan. Dad at times bowled in a league and was an avid golfer, especially enjoying play in Haslett and Venice Beach, Florida, after he retired. He was a dedicated and enthusiastic supporter of Michigan State University athletics, especially football and basketball, and volunteered as a timer at track and field meets for which he was recognized with the 18th Annual “Eddy” Award (non-coaching category) in 2010. He loved life and was well loved.

Dad was preceded in death by our mom and his wife of 49 years, Ellie, and his close companion in later years, Joyce. He left his family too soon (we were all rooting for 100, Dad!): daughter Denise and son-in-law Tom of Washington State; son John, daughter-in-law Tracey and granddaughter Jamie of the Washington, D.C. area (Dad enjoyed telling everyone that he had “kids in both Washingtons”); his incredible caregiver Sue (like it or not, Sue, you’re now part of our family forever) and Sue’s family who “adopted” Dad for birthdays, holidays and Saturday pizzas and card games. We are grateful to all of his friends who stopped by often to visit him and for the caring staff of The Willows at Okemos, where he made his home for the last two years, and especially for the way they honored his life as he departed with a moving and fitting tribute.

Dad, what a rich life story you’ve written. And what a story is yet to come. We can’t wait to hear all about it!

Peace and Love,

Your Family