Thank you so much for your message and the card you sent in the mail. It was so nice to hear from you. Din’s passing was really really hard - honestly, like living out a nightmare. We were very close and lived life very together. Thank you for your prayers! That’s what’s getting us through. You have a special place in my heart! So many good memories! :hearts::hearts::hearts:

Dear Sarah and family,
     Words cannot express our deepest sympathies to all of you.  Sarah we still talk about you and you were always our kids favorite!  I'll never forget you and Don coming to the house trick or treating all dressed up. What fun!!!  That's when we met Don for the first time.  Our hearts are absolutely breaking for you.  We are lifting you all up in prayer... Praying for the Lord's grace and peace to surround you in the days, weeks and months ahead.  
Love in Christ,  Jim and Anna Johnson and family

He taught me how to drive at SEARS driving school, he was my instructor for ACT/SAT prep, then I was his student in AP English at Northpointe. I went with him and his wife to Italy and Greece on a school class trip. I always took his J-term classes, whether it was Greek mythology or how to sell books online. He took a human interest in me when I was going through rough times at home. He taught me how to write well, he fostered an interest in literature. I was too young at the time to tell him how much he impacted me as a teacher and leader, but I strive to be that kind of person today in my work as an RN. My favorite teacher from high school was definitely DVK, and I know I will see him in heaven someday.

Don was one of those guys who was profound and, most often, didn't realize it.  He also took his walk with Christ seriously and had an impact on those around him.  He was a great friend and will be dearly missed!   

Looking back, I am quite sure my GPA would have been much better had I not spent so much of my time at the beach with Don and the "beach gang".  I was just looking at one of the Shore Break bracelets the other day and reminiscing about those times.  

I never had the good fortune of meeting Sarah and the kids.  I pray for them that God's grace would be sufficient during this time of grief and loss.

Godspeed my friend!

DVK was my favorite teacher in Highschool. As a new student at NPC for my senior year, every day for the first week he asked how I was adjusting and if I was doing ok. After that, he checked up and made sure I was making friends and feeling welcome at the school. Not only was he an extremely caring teacher, but he showed Christ's love to all of the students. His life impacted so many, and he will be greatly missed!

For me, as a college friend of Sarah's, I enjoyed watching how Don loved Sarah.  He seemed to quietly love her extroverted personality and enjoyed letting her be herself.  He was a perfect match for her and she shined with him always near her.  He was solid, steady and loving.  I could see his faith radiate from within him.  He was a good man, husband, and father.  God called him home earlier than anyone had hoped and he will be greatly missed. May God's love and peace surround Sarah and their children always.  

Gretchen

Don was in the youth group my late husband Tom and I ministered through Calvary Baptist church in the 1970's. Don was full of fun and always had the best questions. He was always thinking things through and kept us real. His questions prepared us for the raising of our own kids. 
When we moved to Iowa in the 1980's Don came to visit. We loved the time he spent with us. Don was such a kind and caring person. Always interested in how others were doing. We were in contact also when he taught overseas and shared mutual missionary friends.
Don's life seemed short but he impacted so many. 
My love and prayers are with the family. May you know the peace of Christ in your hearts.

Thank you for being my friend! 
I will miss you at church! 
I LOVE you! 
Your friend, Philip Pell

For me highschool was an awful time, but I looked forward to AP English with DVK every single day. Him just being himself helped me make it to graduation and even beyond, going so far as to helping me decide a minor and also impressing professors. He cared so much for his students and it really showed in the way he spoke to us individually as well as as a class. His sense of humor was also amazing. Gotta love Monty Python. On top of all this, his wisdom and faith were something to strive for. All around he was an amazing man full of so much love and knowledge that he poured out into his students. Thank you Mr. VanderKolk for helping me make it this far. I hope there's some nice palm trees in heaven.

Easily my favorite teacher of my entire high school experience at NPC. I wouldn't be where I am today without DVK's AP English classes, they really gave me the boost of confidence I needed at a difficult time in my life. Some of my best high school memories include Mr. and Mrs. VanderKolk, like the Stratford trips and the senior trip to Colorado. I'll forever be thankful for the influence DVK had on me! He will be greatly missed.

My favorite and most influential high school memories were often spent on the amazing trips that DVK planned. I remember on the Colorado hike Mr. and Mrs. Vander Kolk hung back with us and held hands nearly the whole hike. He was always an example of a godly man both inside and outside of the classroom, he will forever be missed. Those memories will live on forever in my heart, I'll miss you DVK and I'll see you again some day.

When I attended NorthPointe, I dreaded my English classes. DVK calmed my nerves and each paper I wrote in his class got better and better. He even made it possible for me to attend the Stratford trip that happened every year. And when I asked how, he replied, “Don’t worry about it.” He will be greatly missed.

OBITUARIO

Don Vander Kolk

26 abril, 1962 – 14 noviembre, 2019

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

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