William Dan VanderLugt

With deep love and firm hope in the promises of Christ, we share that William Dan VanderLugt, age 73, completed his earthly journey on April 25, 2025. A life lived with faithfulness and integrity, we are confident that Bill is now fully alive in the radiant presence of God.

He will be profoundly missed by his beloved wife of 52 years, Audrey; children Tim and Dana VanderLugt, Kristin and Tim Raredon, Amy and Jack VanderPloeg, and Julie and Chris Emelander; He will be remembered by 11 beloved grandchildren Caleb, Joshua, and Levi VanderLugt; Ashley, William, and Noah Raredon; Samuel, Tyler, and Lucas VanderPloeg; and Andrew and Mackenzie Emelander. He is also survived by his siblings Barb and Merle Koops, Tom and Laura VanderLugt, Shery and Pete Lyons, Lynnell and Jim Haverkamp, and Janis and Jim Drew; and in-laws David and Janet Raak, Karen and Jack VandenHeuvel, Dan and Kathy Kimm, Scott and Brenda DeJonge, and Randy and Holly Raak. He was preceded in death by his parents William A. and Grata VanderLugt; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roger and Kay Raak; and sisters-in-law Jan Kimm and Beth DeJonge.

Bill was born to William and Grata VanderLugt on March 16, 1952. He grew up alongside his five siblings in Grand Rapids, attending Oakdale Christian School until his family moved to Jenison in his sixth-grade year. He went on to attend Jenison Christian School and Unity Christian High School before enrolling at Calvin College. It was there that he met Audrey Raak, who quickly captured his heart. They married in 1973, and Bill remained steadfast and devoted to her for the rest of his life.

Bill dedicated the early years of his career to education, teaching math and coaching both boys' basketball and girls' softball teams. His steady leadership left a lasting impression on those he mentored. Later, he transitioned into accounting and eventually served as Director of Finance for Touchstone Innovare, a mental health care provider. In each role he took on, Bill brought his trademark precision, careful planning, and quiet dependability.

Bill’s love of games and competition was a constant throughout his life. He played morning basketball for decades and brought that same competitive spirit to countless rounds of board games, trivia, and crossword puzzles. He was quick-witted, sharp, and always played fair—a quality he passed down to his grandchildren during their lively games of wiffle ball at Camp VanderLugt, the family's cherished annual summer tradition. Bill was also a longtime umpire for girls' softball, enthusiastically taking the field even after his family gently suggested he retire to the stands. Whether it was on the court, around the table, or in the backyard, Bill loved the game, and he loved the time spent with those he cared about most.

Faith and service were central to Bill’s life. A longtime member of Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church, he faithfully served as a catechism teacher, deacon, treasurer, and ministry council member—his commitment steady, wholehearted, and reliable.

Above all, Bill’s greatest joy was his life with Audrey and his family. He enjoyed Sunday afternoon naps, quiet conversations, and singing in his church choir. Bill’s meticulous handwriting and his knack for catching grammar slips were small but telling signs of his attentiveness and care. Bill and Audrey’s shared heart for service extended beyond family, as they volunteered with World Renew to support disaster relief efforts.

Friends and family are invited to gather with Bill’s family to remember and celebrate his life during visitation from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Hillcrest Christian Reformed Church, 3617 Hillcrest Rd., Hudsonville, MI 49426, with a visitation from 10-11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to World Renew. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.