Calvin VanDyke, age 56, of Jenison, walked suddenly and unexpectedly into the arms of Jesus on Monday, February 15, 2021. Cal was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. The most important things in life to him were his faith and his family. As a longtime member of Cottonwood Church, he served in many capacities, and especially enjoyed singing as part of the Worship Team. Cal worked at Meijer for 29 years, and for the past three years at Dematic. The work was challenging, and he loved it. He made some great friends along the way. When he was not working, he loved to play Euchre and board games with family and friends, and he had found a new love for reading in the past year. Camping, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing - anything outdoors and “Up North” are cherished family memories. Cal and Pam would often just take a drive to the beach and Cal was always willing to indulge Pam in her love for sunsets and lighthouses. Cal and Pam were just beginning a new season together as “empty nesters” while thoroughly enjoying deepening relationships with their adult children. This was so important to Cal. He wanted them to spread their wings, but also know that they could come to him any time, for anything. Watching them grow in their faith and their personal relationships gave him so much joy. Cal was Pam’s soulmate and best friend. He was our “tech support”, our giver of “Dad” jokes, our listening ear, and our go-to guy. Cal was generous and funny. He was our rock and our everything, and he will be greatly missed. God is still on the throne, and now he has another angel with him in Heaven. We are so grateful and blessed for all the love and support from our family, dear friends, neighbors, and coworkers during this time. It means everything. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Bertha VanDyke; father-in-law, Ron Nyenhuis; sister-in-law, Karen VanDyke; and niece, Megan Dill. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Pam; children, Cody (Abi), Cassie (Ethan); siblings, John (Rose) VanDyke, Marcia (Randy) Stewart, Doris (Dick) Dill, Richard (Sally) VanDyke; mother-in-law, Carol Nyenhuis; brothers-in-law, Dave (Julie) Nyenhuis, Jeff (Brenda) Nyenhuis, Jeremy (Elizabeth) Nyenhuis; sister-in-law, Jessica McClure; and many loved nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 22, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Cottonwood Church, 1101 Cypress Drive, Jenison, with Pastor Matt Palsrok officiating. The service will be live streamed and can be viewed at https://www.cottonwoodcrc.com/vandyke. The burial will take place at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday, February 21, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. An additional visitation will be held on Monday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to https://www.underhiswings-gwenhanna.org/blog.
Leave Your Tribute Message
March 28, 2021 9:44pm
Oh boy, so sad to hear about Cal. You are such a kind and thoughtful soul. God will look out for you although we will all miss you. Glad we had a few times to connect after I left Meijer. Praying for your family and all your friends.
- Scot Ellsworth
February 24, 2021 2:07pm
Very saddened to hear this news, I lost touch with Cal after leaving Meijer but he was a great guy, and easy to work with. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Jason Carner
February 23, 2021 12:01am
Cal-Bob, can't believe you're gone. That was a pet name several of us called Cal at Meijer, kind of an inside joke that lived on from back in the Series/1 days. Cal and I worked together back then. Later on in our Meijer life, we would talk about our kids. He was so proud of his family. Cal was always kind and easy to get along with. My deepest condolences to Cal's family. Cal, you are loved and will be dearly missed by many.
- Judy Sabaitis
February 22, 2021 8:37pm
Cal was my best friend growing up and we remained close over the years. I can’t believe he is gone. He will be missed greatly! I know God has big plans for him in heaven and I look forward to seeing him again some day. My thoughts and prayers go out to Pam, Cassie, Cody and the entire family. May God lift you up and carry you through these difficult days and weeks ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Steve VanderMolen
- Steve VanderMolen
February 22, 2021 1:28pm
Cal was such a kind hearted and genuine person. I was shocked to hear of the loss your family has endured and am truly sorry the pain you are going through. I had just talked to him that morning for work. During these hard times there are never enough words to help. Just remember the best and most beautiful things in this world cannot been seen or even heard but rather felt with the heart. He will always be there. My family's prayers will be with you.
- Arik Schoenborn
February 22, 2021 12:35pm
I am so heartbroken for you and your family's loss Pam. I work for a local IT reseller that has been a partner to Dematic for 25+ years now. I worked with Cal on what seemed like a daily basis during his 3 years at Dematic and formed a lasting friendship with him. I would be there for him when he wanted to complain about work but couldn't elsewhere. We would often chat about our vacations and our families. I feel like we always knew what what going on in each others lives. I will miss working with him so much and I'm so saddened that I won't receive any more of those 4:30pm on a Friday, "I need a quote, quick!" phone calls from him. He was a joy to work with the last three years. I'm rejoicing that the Lord has taken him to a better place and I'm sure he has a special plan for Cal in Heaven. With God's love, Daniel Slessman, Micrologic Technologies
- Daniel Slessman
February 22, 2021 12:17pm
The Lord bless you and keep you. What a blessed service. You are in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time. Norma & Tom Kloosterman (cousin)
- Norma Kloosterman
February 22, 2021 11:55am
May you find comfort in knowing Cal has joined so many of his people already in Heaven. May God wrap his arms around you and give you peace.
- Joel Lemmer (cousin)
February 22, 2021 11:28am
Saddened by the news. Cal was Someone that is so special that can never be forgotten. You will be really missed Cal !! Wishing the family strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Please accept my deepest condolences.
- Sreejini
February 22, 2021 8:45am
I had the opportunity to work with Cal a few times at Dematic, and he was such a great person committed to his work and supportive of others. He was my go-to guy for certain tasks, and always found time to support my needs. I'm really shocked by this news, and still can't believe it! My heartfelt condolences to his family. As you all go through this very difficult time, I assure you my prayers and thoughts. May God give you the strength to overcome this phase.
- Anup Joseph
February 22, 2021 8:30am
Pam, our deepest sympathies to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May you be comforted knowing Cal is in Heaven with his Heavenly Father.
- Beth Brinks
February 21, 2021 12:15pm
Shocked and sadden by this news. Cal was a great team member while at Meijer. Taken too soon. My sincere condolences to the family.
- Jack Wysocki
February 21, 2021 8:59am
I have worked with Cal for last 4 years. He was a gem at work and a great colleague to work with. I spent of of hours talking to him regarding Dematic projects and he was so calm in all ups and downs. There is lot that i learned from him. A peer that everyone would love to work with. My thoughts for his family in this difficult time.
you will always be missed my Friend!
- Gopal Kumar
February 21, 2021 8:39am
Calvin was one of the amazing associates to work with. His vast knowledge of Technology was always astonishing. He is an inspiration to all young Techs. Very fortunate to work with him. My deepest condolences. May the Almighty make it easy for his family. Cal, you will be truly missed!!
- Inamul Hasan
February 20, 2021 4:18pm
Cal was one of my best friends and I am so thankful to have had the privilege of knowing him and being his friend. I’ll never forget the laughter, both the good and the sad times, and all the ways that Cal showed his friendship and reflected Christ. His life was a living testimony. I will miss hm dearly and am so thankful that he was a part of my life.
- David and Maria Kenyon
February 19, 2021 12:20pm
Thinking of you in our thoughts and prayers,Pam,Cody,Cassie I’m sure he will be deeply missed
- Fritz Nykamp
February 19, 2021 10:00am
I’m so grateful for the generosity and hospitality that Cal and Pam have shown me over the past decade since I first became friends with Cassie. I’ve always felt welcome in their home and even on their family vacations- from Florida to Grand Haven to Manistee. His love for his kids was so evident in spending time with their family.
- Alexis Wierenga
February 18, 2021 5:24pm
In the brief time that I knew Cal, he left a lasting impression on me as a good and kind man.
- Daniel Bertolini
February 18, 2021 4:56pm
I had the honor of knowing Cal since high school at SCHS. Our careers seem to run in parallel after college, first at Meijer for 30 years and then again at Dematic for the past several years. Cal was always one of those guys that you wanted on your team/project. He had a sense of confidence and calmness that was contagious. In addition, Cal was just a great guy who people liked to have around. Going to miss our lunch chats but I realize you are in a better place... Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family...
- Jim Van Hoven
February 18, 2021 4:35pm
I worked with Cal during his time at Dematic, he was always smiling no matter what time of the day you reached out, I am shocked by the news and I will miss him, he taught me a lot during the time we worked together, and he was someone I can always count on. My prayers will be with him and his family, I am so sorry for your lost, he was a great man.
- Javier Romo
February 18, 2021 1:36pm
I was so shocked when I heard this sad news! Cal was an awesome guy - very smart and a very nice person. I worked with him on and off for many years at Meijer. He will be greatly missed. May God comfort the family at this difficult time.
- Terry Mattox
February 18, 2021 11:50am
Many us have cherished our time spent with Cal while working within Meijer. He was filled with laughter, smiles, and good advice.
May the family know that you are in our prayers during this time. He had a joyous life. May God Bless you.
- Bill Walukonis
February 18, 2021 11:18am
I've worked with Cal on several initiatives at Dematic for a few years, and I was looking forward to a group session he was going to lead for us all in March. My most sincere condolences to his family. God bless you all!
- Matteo
February 18, 2021 11:10am
I worked with Cal often on many projects and it was great to know him. We had our boat at Grand Isle and it was nice having fun with Cal there. So sorry and shocked when I heard. May God confort the entire family during this difficult time.
- Mark Shassberger
February 18, 2021 10:03am
John, Rose and family. Our hearts go out to you. It is very hard and painful to have a brother pass away and so young. God be with you all and many prayers.
- Mary and Harry Umstead
February 18, 2021 9:56am
Having worked with Cal for my +20yrs at Meijer as well as his 3yrs at Dematic was special. He got all of us, understood problems and saw clear answers to complex questions. Professionally, he was above peer. Personally, he was always there too.
Although I’ll miss his laugh, easy going manner, it is something I’ll see again when we meet. Take care, my friend. No more early morning calls, I promise.
-RJ
- Randy M
February 18, 2021 9:26am
Oh Pam, so sorry for your loss.
"the Peace of God.. will guard your heart" Phil. 4:7
- Roland Jager
February 18, 2021 9:21am
I worked with Cal during his time at Dematic as a peer. Cal was an immediately lovable guy from the day I met him. Always a pleasure to meet and converse with - always focused on something important. He was a guy who would bend over backwards for you and who you wanted to bend over backwards for. We did not have many personal conversations, but he was one of my favorite guys. I will miss him dearly. My sympathies and wishes go out to his family in this time of loss.
- Mark A
February 18, 2021 9:13am
This was so shocking, heartbreaking and sobering to hear where I can only imagine the pain the family feels. Taken too soon. Cal was that special kind of guy. Intelligent, considerate, helpful, great fun to talk with and just a wonderful colleague for decades. May you find strength from each other during this difficult time.
- Gail VanNoller
February 18, 2021 9:12am
I can't explain how shocked and saddened I was to hear about Cal's passing. At Meijer, I spent a lot of time talking with him and he was always an enjoyable person to be around. The world has suffered a loss with Cal moving on. To his family, I hope you can take solace in knowing he had a wonderful impact on a lot of people that you've probably never met. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Cal will be missed!
- Lee Jarvie
February 18, 2021 8:30am
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this time. We pray that the hope of a reunion in heaven will give you strength as you go through this!!
- Pam Heethuis
February 18, 2021 8:12am
I worked with Cal while he was at Dematic. We had many conversations about work that were sprinkled with conversations about his family. Cal was a genuine great guy that had the ability to laugh at himself and others. I enjoyed our conversations and will miss his humor. I am truly sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you.
- Tim Lasure
February 17, 2021 8:55pm
We have known Cal and Pam for 15 years now, they are our neighbors. Cal's passing is a huge loss to those that knew him. He was always willing to help out, airing up a tire on my car, or my wheelbarrow. More recently, he knew my snowblower was not running, so he would come over and clear out my driveway, because he was that type of person, always helping out. We will certainly miss him and his smile, his kind ways and gentle demeanor. Rest in Peace, Cal. Pam, Cody, and Cassie, Marc and I are praying for you during this most difficult time.
- Kim Plank and Marcus Behrend
February 17, 2021 7:47pm
“Hey Cous” would greet many days at Meijer when Calvin was in the building I worked in. I have missed those hello’s the past three years since he left Meijer. It was always great to see him and and know I had a cousin and some family in the building. His kind spirit was so so special. May the Lord give you what you stand in need of today.
- Darla Van Dyke
February 17, 2021 7:25pm
Praying for your family in this time of sudden loss. May God give you His comfort and peace.
~Tom and Elaine Vlietstra
- Tom and Elaine
February 17, 2021 5:41pm
I worked with Cal at Dematic the past 3 years. He was always incredibly kind and we had many great conversations. We often talked about running and he was so proud of getting to run and train with his daughter for the Riverbank Run. He will be missed!
- Andy Bruinsma
February 17, 2021 5:07pm
I was really shocked to hear this sad news. I worked with Cal at Meijer for over 2 decades, he will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
- Arlene Vander Ploeg
February 17, 2021 5:00pm
I only knew Cal for a couple of years, since he joined our team at Dematic. He was hard-working, loyal and dedicated, inquisitive, fun-loving and just easy to get along with. We will miss him and remember him fondly. Our sympathies go out to his family.
- Rob Targosz
February 17, 2021 4:20pm
Although I've only known Cal since his time at Dematic, he was always so friendly and kind to everyone. It was a pleasure to get to know him I will miss our "Dutch Bingo" conversations. God Bless your family in your time of loss.
- Kathy B
