Robert Jack VanHammen

Robert Jack VanHammen of Honor and Grand Rapids, MI died Feb. 4, 2012 at Blodgett Hospital of complications from a pancreatic tumor. He was surrounded by his family. A stroke 10 years ago had limited his physical activity and confined him to a wheelchair. He was born in Beverly (now Wyoming), MI on April 29, 1922 to John C VanHammen and Leone A McConnell. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Floyd and nephew, Gordon Gravelyn. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Esther (Nielsen of Ionia), sons, David (Phyllis), James, Philip (Ellen), Richard, Thomas (Kat), and Stephen (Nancy), and grandchildren, Jaclyn, Kathryn, Laura, Sarah, Bilqis, John, Paul and Luke, and a great-granddaughter Addisyn as well as his sister, Betty(Don) Gravelyn, and several nieces and nephews. Bob attended South High School. He joined the National Guard and was with the 32nd Red Arrow Division, 126 Infantry during WWII. He served for 5 years and fought many battles in New Guinea as he rose to the rank of S2 Sgt. After WWII, Bob joined the Grand Rapids Fire Department. He served 17 years at Firehouse #11 and retired as House Captain at Firehouse #13 after 37 years in April 1982. Bob enjoyed spending time at the family cottages on Platte Lake. Bob has been a member of Trinity United Methodist Church for 63 years and served on their Boy Scout Troop 215 committee for over 30 years. He also belonged to West Michigan Genealogy Society, Candle Light Dance Club, Civil War Roundtable, DAV, and was past president of the GR chapter of the Red Arrow Club. Visitation will be held Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Reyers North Valley Chapel 2815 Fuller Ave NE, at 3 Mile. Memorial Services will be at Trinity United Methodist Church 1100 Lake Dr SE at 2 PM Thursday, Feb. 9 with Rev. David Nellist and Father Dennis Morrow officiating with Honor Guard services by GRFD and Kent County Military Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Trinity United Methodist Church Memorial fund or it’s Boy Scout Troop 215, or a charity of your choice.