Steven Craig VanderJagt

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Steven Craig VanderJagt, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him and always thinking before acting. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him. Many of these qualities he shared with his father Ken.

Steven was born on May 1, 1964 at Spectrum Health Blodgett in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was the son of Kenneth and Eleanor VanderJagt. Raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Steven was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Steven was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Steven was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Steven also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Steven was raised with one older sibling,an older sister Janice. Steven was constantly involved in activities with his family. Steven and his sister had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years. They really enjoyed spending time as a family at the beach,Holland State Park and Gun Lake being their favorites. Cooking breakfast at Holland on the channel was especially memorable. The family took vacations every summer,traveling all over Michigan. A few memorable trips included renting cottages all over Michigan,Mackinac Island,Soo Locks,Cedar Point and Niagara Falls. Life was good!

Growing up, Steven was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. He was content to entertain himself. Steve loved being outdoors constantly growing up, all year round. He spent much of his days riding his bike around the neighborhood,playing kickball,baseball,hide and seek to name a few. Steven was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, he was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. Steve and Jan spent hours "exploring" the fields and woods in the neighborhood,just enjoying nature. In just about everything he did as a child, Steven was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around him. Steven took part in a number of activities as a child, Rocket Football being his favorite. Steven's memorable achievements included winning ribbons in track.

Steven enjoyed learning. He always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Steven was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. He often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Steven was painstaking and accurate in his efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. He attended and graduated from Creston and Northview Alternative High School in 1982. Steven enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Steve was definitely a "hands on" learner, he became very skilled and gifted in working on and fixing just about anything on automobiles as a teenager. He had a "passion" for cars his entire life!

If you gave Steven a deadline, he would meet it. At work, he was always on task. Without hesitation, Steven could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. His primary occupation was press operator for various printing companies. He was employed with Michigan Lithograph right out of high school, where both his father and grandfather had careers. He also went on to work for Grandville Printing, Etheridge and Print Metro. During that time, Steven excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. He was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Steven was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Steven had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. He was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties. Steven made many lasting friendships along the way.

While thorough and measured in his approach to things, Steven often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. He was like that with sports. He also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, he was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list was football. He began watching the Detroit Lions with his Dad and he was a loyal"Lions" fan to the end! Steve also enjoyed playing Frisbee golf as an adult around town with friends.

An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, his faith was important to Steven. His compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in his personal beliefs. He was born and raised as a member of Aberdeen Reformed Church for 17 years. During that time, he was a member of Aberdeen's Youth Group and Sunday School as a child and adolescent. Steven did stray from his faith for some time,but thankfully returned to his faith the last several years of his life-Praise God!

Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Steven had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that he was the trip planner. He would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations as an adult included camping at Croton Hardy Dam. Steve also enjoyed going out on his boat to fish and just relax. Steve loved the beaches wherever he went, especially Lake Michigan!

Steven had a Cockapoo named Rusty as a child and a German Shepard named Maui as a teen. He really loved those pets! His family was rounded out by his tropical fish aquarium which he enjoyed as well. Steven was as loyal to his pets as they were to him.

Steven passed away on May 3, 2010 at home in Sparta , Michigan. He is survived by his mother Eleanor, a sister Jan (Scott) Datema, three nephews Chad Wirt, Austin Wirt, and Randy Datema, two nieces Lauren Wirt, and Alexis Datema, several aunts, cousins and a host of many friends. Services were held at Reyers North Valley Chapel on Friday May 7th at 11:00 a.m with Rev. Roger Eernisse officiating. Steven was laid to rest in Garden of Everlasting Life in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Michigan .

It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Steven was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Steven was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Steven VanderJagt was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Steven. He will be missed more than words can express! "Til we meet again Steve!" We love you!!