Christopher Vander Lugt

Christopher VanderLugt, age 43, son of Carol (Kok) Castaneda of Highland and Ken VanderLugt of Merrillville passed away Sunday December 6, 2015 of advances-stage Infantile Facio-Scapular-Humeral muscular dystrophy. Chris would have been 44 next week and outlived his prognosis by 24 years. He is survived by both parents; his step dad Efren Castaneda; two sisters: Kerrie Ann VanderLugt of Wayland, MI and Charity (Jerry) Lyda of Dyer; one nephew Jerry; three nieces: Anna, Christa, and Hailey; numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins. Chris could be seen most days in and around the Meijer store in Merrillville and many have prayed for his safe crossing of Route 30 in his wheelchair. On summer nights and weekends, he was often seen at area classic car shows which were his passion. He was a graduate of Purdue University-Calumet from which he received a degree in Technical Writing. He will be remembered for the resilience and courage he showed every day in facing life with a sound mind but a useless body. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 11, 2015 at 9:30 AM at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road, Highland. Cremation will follow the service. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, December 9 from 3-7 PM at the Kuiper Funeral Home. R.I.P. our beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. Please visit www.kuiperfh.com