Leonard Vander Wood

Vander Wood, Leonard J., age 78, passed away Friday, April 4, 2025. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Hilda Vander Wood; brothers Frank Vander Wood, Norm Vander Wood; and sister-in-law, Katrina Vander Wood.

Leonard will be remembered by his beloved wife, Jean Vander Wood; daughter, Shannon Root, and her children Rylee and Logan; son, Shawn (Gina) Vander Wood and their children Violet and Dashel; daughter, Stacy Lockhart and her daughter, Ava. Leonard loved his children and grandchildren and they will miss him dearly.

He will be remembered by siblings Marva (Pres) Martinie, Earl (Arlene) Vander Wood, Roger Vander Wood, Larry (Sue) Vander Wood, Linda (Dave) Ponstein; sister-in-law, Char Sobie; brother-in-law, Tom (Chris) Clifford; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He lived his early years in Grandville and moved to Jenison to start his family. For a few years, they lived in the Minneapolis area to be near Stacy and Ava. More recently, Leonard and Jean moved back to the Wyoming area.

During the Vietnam War, Leonard served his country in the US Navy. He was wounded in his eyes during combat. He was treated stateside at Bethesda Naval Hospital. Leonard received two Purple Hearts, the Navy Congressional Medal and a Bronze Star. Over time, Leonard would lose his eyesight. His spirit of adventure never dampened. Despite his Dutch heritage, he was something to watch as a Polka dancer. He loved his time hunting whitetail deer in Michigan. He also enjoyed several fishing outings with other Veterans.

Known by all who knew him was Leonard’s amazing positive spirit. As his eyesight left him, he was always positive with his disability. He loved the US Navy and his country.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Veterans Casting Away Disabilities, PO Box 280, West Liberty, IA 52776 or American Cancer Society.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 30 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church 2700 Baldwin St., Jenison, MI 49428 . The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.