Ken cherished his family. He was always in awe of God's creation. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting. He loved spending time at his cottage, where he worked in the yard, enjoyed pontoon rides on the lake, and evening campfires. Kenneth will be remembered for his down-to-earth nature, sense of humor, and willingness to help others.
He was preceded in death by his parents Andrew and Janice VanderMeulen, Jr.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Karen (Matzat) VanderMeulen; children Rebecca (Jason) Brinks, Jennifer VanderMeulen, and Michael (Tabitha) VanderMeulen; grandchildren Alexis Shurlow, Mersadie Shurlow-Musson, Michelle VanderMeulen, Tyler Brinks, Emma Brinks, and Owen Brinks; brother Charles (Karen) VanderMeulen; sister Laurie (Lee) Winkler; brother-in-law Robert (Joan) Matzat; sisters-in-law Judy (John) Lee and Ruth (Terry) Navitskas; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 22 at Oakview Community Church (4242 Plainfield Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525) at 1:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m.
Memorial donations in Kenneth's name may be made to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.reyersnorthvalleychapel.com for the VanderMeulen family.
