Pieter Van Vliet

Pieter Van Vliet, age 83, passed away peacefully into his heavenly home surrounded by family on Saturday August 5, 2023. Pieter was born to Jacob and Adriana on April 24, 1940, in Waddiveen, Netherlands. He was one of 10 children, seven boys and three girls. In 1959 he immigrated to the United States. Soon after he met his devoted wife of 60 years, Joan (VanderMeer). Pieter and Joan became world travelers while he was in the army. Texas, Germany, California and finally back to Michigan. Once settled, Pieter began working and one day owning Plainfield Lumber and Hardware until his retirement in 2014. Pete was always known to have a smile on his face whether he was tinkering in the garage, playing with the grandkids or flipping Dutch pancakes on a Saturday morning. He dedicated much of his time to others through charitable car shows and volunteering on Sunday mornings at Spectrum Health rehab and nursing center for the church service. He will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by his wife Joan; their children Leo (Lisa) Van Vliet, Steve (Tricia) Van Vliet and Heather (Jason) Matzen; eight grandchildren, Heather (Rob) Bradley, Alyssa (Derek) Rogers, Andrew (Sarah Sims) Van Vliet, Cody Van Vliet, Nick (Roxanne Brown) Van Vliet, Mollie (Matthew Crego) Doornbos, Mason Doornbos and Reece Matzen; two great grandchildren Weston and Josie Bradley; many special nieces and nephews; and Joan’s family. Pieter was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Adriana and siblings. Visitations will be on Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Reyers North Valley Chapel. Funeral proceedings will take place the following day, Friday, August 11, 2023, at 11am at Calvary Church Chapel. A luncheon will follow at the church. Burial will take place for immediate family only at Fairplains cemetery. Condolences and flowers may be sent to Reyers North Valley Chapel. Donations can be made to Faith Hospice.