Carol Elizabeth Van Drunen-Aalderink

Carol Elizabeth Van Drunen-Aalderink, age 87, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, September 26, 2016.   She was born on December 20, 1928 to Henry and Helena Schuitema.  Carol was preceded in death by her first husband, Rev. Leonard Van Drunen. Her memory and influence will be treasured by her husband of 12 years, Herb Aalderink; children, Sheila and Robert Schippers, Meridell and John Sloterbeek, Leonard “Bud” and Vickie Van Drunen; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Michael and Rachel Schippers (Gideon, Anneke), Kristin and Brad Bierma (Cora, Peter, Addalynn), Deb and Eric Gritter (Leyton, Elena, Lucas, Amelia), Marianne and Mike Heim, John and Sheli Sloterbeek (Claire), Leah Sloterbeek, Scott and Kelli Van Drunen (Ian, Caleb), Craig and Mary Van Drunen (Meghan, Zoey), Lisa Van Drunen; step-children Linda and Doug Kamphuis, Dawn and Wayne Tuitman; 5 step-grandchildren and 11 step-great grandchildren; in-laws, Jane Aalderink, Gertrude Aalderink, Bob and Joyce Aalderink.  Besides adoring her family, Carol loved singing, teaching special needs children and traveling around the world.

A memorial service will be held on Monday 11 am at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Rev. Ruth Boven officiating.  Interment Georgetown Cemetery.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Crossroads Bible Institute or Bible League International.

Leave Your Tribute Message

October 05, 2016 4:46am
Barb and I express our sympathy to you ALL. May the Living Hope of the resurrection give you hope and comfort. Thanks for the blessed memories of her all the way back to the summers at East Jordan/Ellsworth, MI

- Marvin Vander Vliet

October 02, 2016 7:42pm
Carol was my cousin, the cousin I knew the best and with whom I spent the most time. She helped care for me when I was an infant. Her mother was my mother's favorite sister. Consequently, our families spent a great deal of time together. I especially remember all of us opening Christmas presents in front of the fire in their fireplace. I liked the Hardy Boy books; she liked the Nancy Drew series. Little did she (and all of my male friends) know that I used to sneak up to her room to read Nancy Drew! I remember that day when she brought her new fiancé to visit my parents. Thus it was fitting that I brought my fiancé first to her home. Carol and Len were most supportive of all that Marcia and I did. I will not forget her words shortly before Len died. With great depth of meaning she looked at us and said, "Hold on to each other." I also remember her enthusiasm when she spoke of the special needs students with whom she worked. She evidenced the same love and compassion when speaking of the inmates with whom she corresponded. We were happy when, later in life, she and Herb found each other and were able to enjoy those 12 years together. Carol was a faithful, consistent, powerful witness of her faith and trust in the Lord. She leaves behind a legacy in the hearts not only of her family, but of all those persons she touched. When Len died, a pastor friend said to us, "Now he knows the reality of that which he preached." May those words bring comfort to all of you, for now she also knows the reality of what she believed and shared with so many others! The grace of the Lord be with you all. Jack and Marcia Monsma

- Jack and Marcia Monsma

October 02, 2016 12:25pm
We have very fond memories of Carol when she taught our son, Ross, some 30 plus years ago at OAC. She was a positive, God-fearing influence for us as very young, new parents We are thankful God placed her in our path. Our sincere sympathy to the family. May God comfort you in your sorrow.

- Greg & Vicki VanOverloop

October 02, 2016 12:10pm
Dear Herb, Our love and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our sincere sympathies to you, and may the Lord grant you His comfort and peace. during your time of sorrow.

- Jarvis and Judy VanKlompenberg

October 02, 2016 11:22am
Dear Herb, We were sorry to hear of the death of your wife. You have been given many blessed days. We pray God will give you strength and renewed faith to help see you through this sorrowful time. Chet and Doloris Kamphuis

- Chet and Doloris Kamphuis

October 02, 2016 10:45am
Herb, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear wife. May God comfort you and give you perfect peace. Our love and prayers are with you.

- John & Gesine Horsting

September 30, 2016 4:17pm
Worked with Carol at OAC. She was a very positive influence to my love of special needs students. My condolences to the family.

- Nancy Meyer

September 30, 2016 5:53am
Bud, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

- Sue Neerhof

September 30, 2016 1:39am
My sympathy to Herb and family. I enjoyed the many visits with Herb and Carol.

- Muriel Sloothaak

September 29, 2016 7:20am
My sincere sympathy goes out to the families of both Herb and Carol. Thinking of them brings a lot of nice childhood memories back to me. Prayers and sympathy, Lorraine

- Lorraine Speet

September 28, 2016 8:19am
As an only child, mother loved and cherished being around her children, and grand (great)children. Whether by birth or through marriage she expressed that love dearly to each one of us. When visiting her she made it clear we were welcomed back. I'm glad to have spent these final days with her.

- Bob Schippers (son in law)

September 28, 2016 6:51am
Shiela & Bob, My sympathies to both of you and your family in the passing of your mother. It is always difficult when you lose a parent. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

- Marcia Windemuller




Order flowers for Carol's service.

Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement

White Wonder

Thinking of You Basket

Tender Touch

Stargazer Garden

Stargazer Easel Spray

Sincere Sympathy Garden

Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)

Remembrance Easel Spray

Natures Glory

Loving Embrace

Gerbera Greetings

Colorful Memories Wreath

Classic Sympathy

Blooming Duo

Bells of Beauty

Beautiful Memories

Beautiful Blessings Wreath

Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.

 

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