Nickolas Jay Vander Veen

Nick lived a life marked by deep faith, steadfast love for his family, and unwavering devotion to his country. Above all else, he loved Jesus Christ. His faith was the cornerstone of his life, guiding his words, his actions, and the example he set for everyone who knew him.

Nick proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. His love for America was evident throughout his life and he considered it a privilege to have served his nation.

While he was proud of his military service, his greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished Poppy, compassionate pastor, and treasured friend. He was a master at offering wisdom, encouragement and unwavering support to each generation. His family knew they were deeply loved.

Those who knew Nick will remember his quiet strength, amazing jokes, humble spirit, generous heart, and steadfast character. He believed in doing what was right, serving others, and trusting God through every season of his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ryven and Merle Vander Veen; and siblings Snooks, Gary, and Skip.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Barb; children Brad (Kelli) Vander Veen, Brenda (Brent) Thelen, Mark (Jen) Vander Veen, Kim (Dan) Velderman, and Kurt (Lisa) Vander Veen; grandchildren Derek (Liz) Vander Veen, Mariah (Alex) Miller, Hailee (Andy) Damon, Gavin Thelen, Caden Thelen, Evan Thelen, Jayden Thelen, Tori Vander Veen, Elli (Hudson) Black, Samantha Vander Veen, Simon Vander Veen, Makayla (Peter) Vos, Cameron Velderman, Reid Velderman, Crew Vander Veen, and Finley Vander Veen; great-grandchildren Nathan, Rylynn, Truett, Ozzie, Belle, Eliya, and Haven; siblings Joyce Smith, Dan (Bonnie) Vander Veen, Pam (Scott) Segard, Marica Lemson, Karen (Tim) Zuidema, Rob Vander Veen; in-laws Donna (Jon) Stellema, Doug (Rachel) TerBeek, Sally (Michael) Polivan, Ruth (John) Scott, and David (Renee) TerBeek.

Though we miss him deeply, we take comfort in knowing he is now home with the Lord he loved and served so faithfully. His legacy of faith, patriotism, integrity, and love will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

A visitation will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. Monday July 6, 2026 at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. with military honors. A private, family only, interment will follow at Allendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Road Map ministry at theroadmap.org. It would bless Nick to know that an organization who supports Veterans is being cared for in his honor. The family also welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in Nickolas' online guestbook.

Micah 6:8 “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”