Chris VanderSlice, age 40, of Grandville, left his broken and battered body to run into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus on Saturday, October 28, 2017. Chris is finally free of the cancer that he suffered from for the past four years, and the paralysis that held him back for the past two years. He is no longer freezing cold all the time and weak and worn out from fevers. He is no longer painful, or sedated. He is clear minded. He is whole. Chris spent 17 years as a teacher and administrator for Grandville Public Schools. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 20 years, Tonya; his daughters, Hannah and Elizabeth; father and mother, Gordon and MaryJo VanderSlice; sisters, Amy and Case McCalla, Julie and Marc Damstra; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Stephen and Judith Rouse; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Dave and Melissa Fink, Aimee and Rick Oleniczak, Joel and Becky Fink, CJ Rouse; grandparents, Johanna VanderSlice, Robert and Kathlyn Niemeyer. He was preceded in death by his grandfather William VanderSlice. Memorial services will be held on Thursday 7 pm at Grandville High School, (please use the Athletic Entrance on Wilson Ave. side), with Rev. Tony Meyer officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 5-9 pm at Grandville High School (please use the Auditorium Entrance on the Canal Ave. side). In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the Hannah/Elizabeth VanderSlice Education Fund at https://www.gofundme.com/hannah-elizabeths-education-fund.
Leave Your Tribute Message
November 02, 2017 10:04am
A nicer and more competent gentleman I have seldom ever worked with. We will all miss Chris.
- Bob Stewart
November 01, 2017 8:58am
Words fall short to express my condolences for you and your family. Chris entered our lives when my daughter started GPS MS; he was an astounding man; bigger than life.
You've "Got Grit", your courage & strength has carried you through and will guide you during on the journey to healing.
- Judy Goodman
November 01, 2017 5:24am
Tonya, Hannah and Elizabeth,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your wonderful husband and father. I enjoyed working with him and knowing him. He had such a warm, positive, and inviting personality.
Marcia Kaye
- Marcia Kaye
October 31, 2017 6:30pm
With our deepest sympathy. Praying for your entire family and that in time the peace Chris has finally received will lighten your hearts until you all are together again. - Chad, Tina, Olivia, Devin & Ella Koetje
- Tina Koetje
October 31, 2017 6:27pm
Our deepest and most sincere thoughts and prayers are with the VanderSlice family. My God give you comfort, peace, and understanding through this very difficult time.
- Jason and Bethany (Van Sickle) Bates
October 31, 2017 4:22pm
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Vanderslice and her family. Happy memories of your dear one be with you. But when sadness comes, may these promises from Jehovah God help you to endure. "Do not be anxious....but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 25:8 NWT.
- Mich E.
October 31, 2017 2:46pm
Praying for your family. I always loved when he would come visit health class in 8th grade or Spanish class in high school. He was a great person to have around and was always so loved.
- Sarah Brunner
October 31, 2017 10:16am
Prayers for Tonya, Hannah, Elizabeth and the entire family.
Thank you Chris for leading by example and being a role model for our daughter during her Grandville school years. She is now a teacher.
Gonna miss you on the court.
- Rick Smallegan
October 31, 2017 9:39am
God’s Word, the Bible, provides the greatest comfort of all. The Christian apostle Paul stated: “I have hope toward God . . . that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Acts 24:15) Thinking about the Bible-based hope of a resurrection can be the greatest comfort while grieving the loss of a loved one
- Lilian Springfield
October 31, 2017 8:20am
Will be thinking of you Tonya, Hannah & Elizabeth during this sad time. Will miss seeing you in the Adult BMT & Leukemia Clinic.
- Christina Hicks
October 31, 2017 5:39am
Our prayers and sympathy to each of you. He will be missed by many and thankful for the testimony of Chris/Tonya as you traveled this journey. May you feel Jesus carrying each of you today, tomorrow and the months ahead.
- Jerry/Barb Schutte
October 31, 2017 5:20am
Chris will be sadly missed. He connected with others with a sincerity and genuine caring. Slice left his mark on everyone he met: students, families and our community. God Bless Chris and his family.
- Bob, Vicki, Jeff & John Wondergem
October 31, 2017 4:29am
Dear Vanderslice Family: Thoughts are with you as you traverse the path to healing. As an educator, Chris brought out the best in others and leaves a legacy of lessons in tenacity, dignity and compassion.
- Lisa Fleury
October 31, 2017 2:00am
Praying for God's comfort during this difficult time.
- Jeff Hovey and family
October 31, 2017 1:14am
Go rd and family
- Mike hughes
October 30, 2017 7:19pm
Praying that God will give you his love, grace and peace during this difficult time. Chris will always be lovingly remembered and respected.
- Joel & Karen Taylor
October 30, 2017 6:56pm
You have my deepest sympathies.
- Jen Bement
October 30, 2017 5:57pm
Our condolences and best wishes to all of you. So sorry for your loss.
- Dan and Monica Kamhout
October 30, 2017 5:53pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. So very sorry for your loss.
- Tracie and Jeff Boomer
October 30, 2017 5:45pm
Praying continually for your family, may God wrap His presence around each and every one of you.
- Lois (Van Duinen) Ernst
Order flowers for Chris's service.
Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement
Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)
Beautiful Blessings Wreath
