I worked with/for Mike at Brillcast for over 10 years and wanted to express my sincerest regrets at his passing. I always had the utmost respect for him. We all depended on him to keep us headed in the right direction and I firmly believe he always did his best to point us that way. He will be missed by all! 
 Cathy, Katie, Matt, and the rest of the family, know that you are in our hearts and prayers in this difficult time.
 Paul and Diana Hugo

 Posted by Paul Hugo - Spring Lake, MI - Former coworker at Brillcast December 23, 2012

Lifting you all up in prayer to our Lord. May you be comforted by the fact that Mike is a child of God. Jesus is the Reason for the Season! Christmas in Heaven. We love you all so much and will always be there for you.

 Posted by The Volpe Family - Hudsonville, MI - Friend December 23, 2012

I worked with Mike for six years, at Brillcast...including a year of reporting directly to him. He allowed me to return to Brillcast after I left for another job, which I will always appreciate :)
 Michael

 Posted by Michael & Sherri Dutton - Otsego, MI - Co-Worker December 24, 2012

In March of 1967, I worked with Mike's mother at Burger Chef in Wyoming. I was 18 and had just lost the "love of my life" girlfriend, Janice. I was nearly suicidal from the grief. Mary, who was always a wonderful person to work with, and was loved by all the crew for her good nature and wonderful sense of humor, saw my pain and DID something. She and Al took me to their home, sat me down and PROMISED me that God would see me through this. They fed me, cried with me and gave me their un-judgmental support and strength. I had NO support from my family at this time, having "dated outside my faith." Al and Mary assured me that God really DID love me, that I was not being punished, and that "it will get better." Those two dear people probably saved my life. Almost every day of my life, for the last 45 years, I have remembered Al and Mary, thanked God for their kindness, and of course, survived. When we talk about how "God works in mysterious ways"......this is exactly how God works. Throught individual kindness, decency, and the bravery to care. I do remember meeting Mike and Linda. Someday, I will thank Al and Mary once again, before our God. Forty five years! See how valuable kindness is? I Corinthians XIII says it all. 

 Posted by Roger A. Hofstra - Rancho Mirage, CA - Friend of Al and Mary December 24, 2012

Sorry for your loss!

 Posted by Chris and Tamra Raak December 24, 2012

Dear Cathy, Matt and Katie,
 We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. We know that God in His infinite mercy has taken Mike to rest in His arms. May you know the comfort and peace that only comes through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus is walking beside you through this most difficult time with His arms around you.
 Praying for your family,
 Genese and Buz Snyder

 Posted by Genese and Buz Snyder - Bradenton, FL and Allendale, , MI December 24, 2012

Mike and I used to work together at Capital Tire at the corner of Ball and Leonard NE. He started working there in 1977 or 1978. 
 I remember him and I having a lot of fun at work. He was a great guy. I haven't seen Mike since those days.
 I am sorry for your loss.

 Posted by Mark Beaton - Grand Rapids, MI - Previous friend/employer December 25, 2012

Mike's family, I was A good friend of Mike's in high school.We did a lot of crazy things as we were growing up. We were good kids and lived life, he was a great friend. I only wish we had more time to talk about old times but sometimes that doesn't happen. The memories we made were good ones and I will never forget Mike. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Norm Bushey

 Posted by Norm Bushey - Byron Center, MI - Friend December 25, 2012

We met Mike and Cathy in Houston Tx. a long time ago. Mike was in his prime back then. He liked get out and do things, he was our party planner. Mike always made you feel secure, you were in capable hands . Mike was a role model, Mike was our best friend, Mike was our Brother. 
 You will be dearly missed 

 Posted by Nick & Heidi Ferworn - Clermont, FL - Friend December 26, 2012

Dear Van Iwaarden Family, I am so sorry for your loss. May you feel God's arm wrapped tightly around you an be sustained by added measures do His Grace. I will continue to cover you in prayer.
 Mary Broene

 Posted by Mary Broene - Hudsonville , MI - Friend December 27, 2012

Dear Family of Michael Van Iwaarden, Know that we are keeping you in our prayers, and that the Unity Christian High School community is also remembering you...
 May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ sustain you through the difficult days ahead. May you rest in the assurance of the promises of eternal life and know that one day you will be reunited...
 Kathleen and Bob Schellenberg

 Posted by Bob and Kathleen Schellenberg - Jenison, MI - fellow church members December 27, 2012

Our deepest sympathy to the Vaniwaarden family from Your friends at Preferred Quality Setvices. Mike was such a nice guy and we enjoyed working with him. We will miss him!

 Posted by Kelly Bartolatto - Grand Rapids, MI - Customer of Brillcast December 27, 2012

Dear Kathy and families of Mike, Though I did not know Mike personally, I did come to know Kathy through his mother-in-law Marianne Boersma my dear friend. I know the pain that comes with losing a child as does Marianne. I just lost my own daughter recently. My prayers go out to all in Mikes family and I especially pray for Kathy as you and your children go through this difficult time. God go with you and bring you the love and peace you deserve. Joyce Kocher-Racette 

 Posted by Joyce Kocher Racette - Grand Rapids,, MI - friend December 28, 2012

I worked wih Mike for over 20 years at Brillcast. His dedication to the company was evident on a daily basis. His love for Cathy, Matt, and Katie came across in words and actions. Mike's lasting impression on my life will be the courage & peace he demonstrated in the last 30 days of his life. He intended to fight his prognosis to the bitter end, but knew the odds were not in his favor. He told me he would win either through a clean bill of health after treatments or by spending eternity in heaven. I would like to think i could demonstrate this type of courage and peace if I was facing a terminal illness. He truly went out of this life as a hero of mine. I will miss you Mike, but I cant help but think of all that you are experiencing right now in Heaven. We'll catch up again someday

 Posted by Jeff and Rosanna Doornbos - Wyoming , MI - Friend and coworker December 29, 2012

OBITUARY

Michael Van Van Iwaarden

July 24, 1955 – December 21, 2012

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