Kenneth Robert Vander Wall

Kenneth Robert Vander Wall, age 80, of Canton, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 7, 1944, in Shelby, Michigan, Ken was a man of strength, deep faith, and unwavering dedication to the people he loved.

Ken grew up on a farm in New Era, Michigan, where he developed a strong work ethic and a persistent spirit—qualities that stayed with him throughout his life. He graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School in Muskegon in 1963, and went on to earn a degree in Interior Design from Kendall School of Design in Grand Rapids in 1966. His creative flair and eye for detail led him into a career in furniture sales, where he worked from 1966 to 1985. Ken’s love for woodworking blossomed during these years, and he built beautiful cabinets and furniture pieces that remain treasured by his family.

In 1986, Ken embarked on a new professional journey as a Farmers Insurance agent in Fort Collins, Colorado, a position he held with integrity and dedication until his retirement in 2001. He was more than a businessman—he was a mentor, a friend, and a man who created space for community. Many will remember the weekly prayer and accountability group that met in his office, as well as his commitment to spiritual leadership through Promise Keepers rallies in the 1990s.

A faithful member of Grace Baptist Church in Canton, Ken’s Christian faith was the guiding force in his life. He was a member of Gideons International, an avid supporter of missions and child sponsorship through Compassion International, and a generous contributor to his local church. 

Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley (Hekman) Vander Wall, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership. Together, they raised three children: Renee Zienert, Matthew (Emily) Vander Wall, and the late Ryan Vander Wall. Ken was a proud and devoted grandfather to Megan, Raven, Jason, and Hannah Zienert, and Benjamin, Scott, and Timothy Vander Wall, as well as a doting great-grandfather to Theodore Goldman. He also deeply cherished his granddaughter Jasmine (Sean) Goldman. Ken is also survived by his sisters, Joyce (Don) Mulder, and Jane (Russ) Mennes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius and Gertrude (Vannette) Vander Wall, his beloved son, Ryan Vander Wall, and his brother, Ronald Vander Wall.

Ken's sense of humor, creative mind, and kind heart touched everyone who knew him. He delighted in decorating his home, designing gardens with ponds and waterfalls, and traveling across the world—visiting places like Hong Kong, Bangkok, Barbados, Mexico, Canada, and countless destinations across the United States. He especially loved road trips with his family in their Chevy station wagon, creating memories that still bring laughter and joy.

Even after losing his sight in his mid-40s, Ken didn’t slow down. He adapted with grace, continuing to work in the insurance business, ride his bike—sometimes with family, other times on a tandem bike with a friend—with destinations like Dairy Queen and Vail Pass offering both challenge and delight. His resilience in the face of adversity inspired all who knew him.

A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Grace Baptist Church, 4075 S. Sheldon Road, Canton, Michigan 48188. The service will be available on Live Stream at www.sermon.org Ken’s family will receive visitors from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 34567 Michigan Avenue, Wayne, Michigan 48184, and again at Grace Baptist Church on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. Following the services, Ken will be laid to rest at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Ft. Collins, Colorado.