Christopher Longstreet

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Christopher Charles Longstreet, age 56, went peacefully into the arms of his faithful Savior, Jesus on October 12th, and is now experiencing great joy and complete healing. Chris always said, “Life is all about the experience” and we are comforted to know that he is experiencing the greatest one now.

He was greeted in Heaven by his mother-in-law, Karen Snyder. Chris is survived by his wife and best friend, Jill; his children who he was so proud of, Kelsey and Jason Vander Laan, Aubrey Longstreet, and Aaron Longstreet; his “Papa’s boy”, Harrison Vander Laan; his “Papa’s girl”, Lydia Vander Laan; as well as his already loved grandchild, Baby V (due in January 2023). Chris is also survived by his parents, Ron and Sharon Longstreet; father-in-law, Gary Snyder (Jan Verwys); brother, Curt (Kim) Longstreet; brothers-in-law, Scott (Donna) Snyder and Brad (Nancy) Snyder; nieces and nephews, Kate and Alex Snyder, Quinn and Owen Snyder, and Chad and Travis Longstreet; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Chris is also survived by dear friends, Chris and Kristy Jack; and Jim and Joann Wesseling (our “travel buddies” and co-explorers); as well as many other friends whom he cared for deeply. Throughout his life, Chris always strove to “make everybody feel like a somebody” and he will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Everyone who knew Chris got a glimpse of his passions for hospitality and traveling. Chris taught at Grand Valley State University for many years, where he used these passions to invest in his students. He mentored many students and gained some great friends along the way. Chris was especially passionate about creating learning experiences for students outside of the classroom. Some of these learning experiences incorporated his work with Choice Hotels, where he worked for many years alongside his amazing team of coworkers. Truly, Chris was well loved by all.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday, October 21st, 2022 at Fair Haven Church, 2900 Baldwin St., Hudsonville, MI 49426. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 at Fair Haven Church. Light reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Chris, memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Churches (https://harborchurches.churchcenter.com/giving) or Hand 2 Hand Ministries (https://h2hkids.org/donate/).