Aileen VanderSchuur

Our family is saddened to hear that our community has lost Aileen. She was a treasure and I believe our memories of her and the contributions she has made will always inspire others.

- Janet Potgeter

We are really deeply saddened by Aileens passing....So tragic..so sudden... We only know about her thru her Wonderful Devout Christian & God-Pleasing Daughter Allison... We know Aileen was a Lovely God-Fearing Lady because of the Integrity and Devotion her Daughter has displayed for Goodness & Fairness & Truth & Justice... May our Awesome God Bless this Beautiful & Godly Family.... Sincere Condolences..... Linda & Ron

- Ron & Linda Reister

So much truth in each tribute I have read, Aileen was a wonderful woman, a lovely Christian in word and deed, a beautiful friend.. I have known her for about 5 years, we met at a Christian event and our Jesus hearts recognized each other, I thank God for bringing us together. I will miss her smile and fun spirit, I will miss her beautiful pictures, I will remember her at Rose's on the Lake for lunch and how the time flew by as we talked about anything and everything. I cherished her support as I went through my cancer surgery and treatment, and as we celebrated each good news check-up. I loved hearing about Joe and her kids and grandboys!! My best tribute to her will be to continue to spread unconditional love, especially to those that need a little extra.. see you again one day in the Glory of God, when we all get to Heaven.. Love and prayers to Joe and his family, peace be with you!!

- Elnora Wallin

Joe..Our hearts were filled with sadness when hearing the news of Aileen. We pray that God will give you and your family the comfort and peace that only He can give. We can't imagine the deep feeling of loss and hurt that you are feeling. We have been talking about some of our memories (there are quite a few) of cherished moments with you and Aileen. A couple that came to mind. One was when we had our Care and Share church group up north to our cottage and were enjoying a nice leisurely pontoon ride and Brad (on his jet ski) sent a huge wave of water that drenched everyone and Aileen laughed so hard. That same afternoon Steve kept teasing Aileen about taking her for a tube ride behind the boat never thinking she would do it. She disappeared for a couple of minutes and came out wearing her suit! She called his bluff and he ended up taking her for a ride. She was always game for trying anything! She was a very special person who lived and loved life and spread it to those around her. She will be missed! Praying you will feel God's love, peace and comfort. Steve and Karen

- Steve and Karen Ensing

Our entire family was so shocked and saddened to hear of Aileens passing this week. My wife and I, along with my sibblings and parents grew up with the VanderSchuurs and have many fond memories of times camping, church events, hunting and fishing as well as many trips to their house as kids playing in the woods with Allison, Jesse and Joel. Aileen was always there with a kind work, an question about some dorky thing I was interested in and making sure she kept up with what was happening in our lives. The sparkle in her eye always made me smile! As we moved on in age, I got the chance to be a Kids Hope mentor at APS with her at the helm of the program and she had such a heart for young people that just needed that extra love in their lives and it showed in how much she put into the program and the love she poured into those kids. I still will bring up in our conversations the time my parents went away on a trip and I stayed at their house for a couple of days and got to collect eggs from their chickens, I could honestly think of nothing more exciting than being able to get your own fresh eggs right from the source...much more exciting than picking beans in my parents garden (may have contributed to my love of foraging!). Not only will we cherish the memories of Aileen but I find great joy in knowing her heart for the Lord and how she took that love for Christ and spread it around to her corner of the world in Allendale. From 2nd Timothy, I take comfort in the following for Aileen and for her family as they navigate forward from this point: But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. Aileen, you will be missed by those who knew you, you will be remembered on in the lives of those kids you made a positive impact on, and finally I will pray for peace and comfort for your family which are left with a void in their heart. Joe, Allison, Jesse and Joel, I thank God for sharing your wife/mother with us for what seems to short of a time. All our love, thoughts and prays... The Ensings

- Brad Ensing

Aileen was my Aunt and Joe is my Uncle. My heart was shattered into a million pieces when I receive the call on Tuesday about Aileen being taken from this earth too soon. My thoughts immediately went to my Uncle Joe, his children(my cousins) their partners and the grandchildren. My parents Doug and Jan VanDrie, Lori and Les White and Margie and Ken and Ben. I'm praying for all of you and love you all very much. My whole life I have witnessed the loving relationship Aileen and Joe had together. They were best friends that loved eachother unconditionally!There were always plenty of laughs, adventures( big and small, planned and unplanned) Years of family gatherings, story telling, we would celebrate together and supported eachother through life's ups and downs and when we lost relatives and those we cared about we would stand united together and pray. Aileen and I had so many discussions over the years about helping those in need, sharing resouces and ideas together. Aileen and I agreed that it was important to stand against injustice and help those get the equal rights/.access/assistance they needed. We both believed that kindness, a listening ear, a nonjudgemental attitude, a loving heart and creating a safe space for people is how you can truly come along side of someone and hold hope for them until they could hold hope for themselves and their futurer again. I believe and I feel Aunt Aileen did as well, thats how you truly demonstrate Christ's love for another human being. Aileen always greeted you with a warm hug, smile and a kiss on the cheek. She had the best laugh, it was infectious! Aileen not only had a servant heart but she was an advocate for marginalized groups of people. We shared so many things in common and yet we were uniquely different but we accepted eachother and loved eachother unconditionally. Aileen was a bright light in this world, with the best heart. To receive unconditional love from someone is a priceless gift. Aileen gave this priceless gift to my Uncle Joe, her children, grandchildren her relatives(our family) and countless others whose lives she touched. I love you Aunt Aileen, Thank you for touching my life in such a powerful way, I will cherish our time together and the wonderful memories we shared. I will hold all of these things in my heart and in the wonderful memories I have of you. You are in heaven now with our loved ones who have gone before us. I know you are watching over us now. I will continue to spread kindness, love, ,foster hope and remember to laugh along tbe way because I know that is what you would want us to do moving forward with out you. Love always, your neice Sara Van Drie

- Sara Van Drie

I have known Aileen since I moved to Allendale in 1988, but reconnected with her when I most needed a friend... and there she was... with her listening ear and words of encouragement and faith. She and I walked occasionally together, but mostly texted back and forth. We especially shared pictures with each other when we were travelling. And when Joe needed to be rescued this past winter, well that just showed how much she loved and cared for him. I will miss you Aileen

- Ruth Deemter

A few months ago, I was having a bit of a flare with a chronic illness. Apparently, Aileen had been trying to reach me by phone and got concerned when I didn't pick up. (I am usually at home and pick up right away). Aileen got worried. A few minutes later, I heard her and my husband talking VERY loudly in the kitchen. Aileen had come over to check on me and didn't know anyone was home, so she let herself in the back door. My dog loves Aileen so she didn't raise a normal ruckus. My family was home, but upstairs and didn't hear my cell phone, which was on silent while I slept. My husband came down the stairs to find 'this woman petting the dog who miraculously wasn't barking at all' and yelled OH MY!!! Aileen jumped up and screamed because she didn't know anyone was home. Then, these two loud voices proceed to have a whole conversation about my illness at the same level of decibels as their initial fright. This is true Aileen. She didn't care where she went or what she needed to do to help someone. Aileen was there for you no matter what, with love and empathy and kindness and the brightest smile in the entire world. While I will miss our talks and lunch dates and occassional home invasions, you are with us all now more than you could be in the physical form. I will always feel your angel wings and your soft voice. You have transcended and now, you can be with each of us all the time--if we truly listen for you. I give you my peace, Aileen. Always and forever.

- Meegan Pope Zickus

Mrs. Van i considered as a second mother to me, she was my mentor in kids hope and continuing to be not only my montor but a very loyal and dear friend for 24 years of my life. I will forever love and miss her dearly she made such an impact on my life that helped shaped me in the women that i am today. I can never repay for what all she has done for me, I am very grateful that i was able to have so many memories of her. And im also grateful for her family treating me like i was one of the family. I will remember how much kindness she has shown me. Love, compassion, honesty. Above all love for the lord her family and friends.

- Shania

Joe and Aileen have done a lot for my family and I, we've had a lot of fun together and I'm so glad I know them. I feel like Aileen shouldn't have gone because she was to good, but I'm sure she's in a better place helping out somehow. We lost a good one and I'm soo sorry to the family. ❤

- Anthony D

Our hearts are broken beyond belief! Aileen was an amazing woman, filled with kindness and compassion for everyone she met. John and I especially loved the little twinkle Aileen would get in her eyes when she would tell a funny story about Joe. It was always obvious what a great love affair they have had! John and I will deeply miss her.

- Lori & John Kaminski

Aileen was such a kind and thoughtful person with such a loving heart. She made an impact on my life and I’m certain I’m not the only one. Travis and I were absolutely devastated to hear of her passing and our hearts go out to Joe and their children and grandchildren during this very difficult time. Sending our love and our deepest sympathies to the whole family.

- Ashley Moelker

I wish the world could have more Aileen’s! She was true to her faith and modeled what would Jesus do on a daily basis. She saw everyone where they were and offered a listening ear and support for those who needed it the most. I worked with Aileen at APS and with the support of our superintendent, Catherine Ceglarek, we encouraged the Kid’s Hope mentor program. The partnerships have impacted children/ young adults for their lifetime. Wow Aileen! Thank you for sharing your gifts with us! We will truly miss you!❤️

- Jill Wilson

Aileen and I have been friends since elementary school. It has been a special joy to share our faith with each other as we enjoyed hikes, meals, and our families. I will miss her photography, her knowledge of wild flowers and nature, and especially her deep faith and love for God.

- Nancy Carlson