Clare Van Heuvelen

Clare Van Heuvelen, of Jenison, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at 86 years old. He is now rejoicing in Heaven! Clare was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Dee; and sister, Tressa Van Dam. He is survived by his children, Cindee and Steve Hulst, Cari and Kevin Wiersema, Curt and Chris Van Heuvelen; The 7’s Club (grandchildren), Kati (David) Tobias, Dani Nowicki, Taylor (Ryan) Anderson, Codi Wiersema, Collin Wiersema, Jessica (Kevin) Faber, Lindsey Van Heuvelen; great-grandchildren, Addie, Carter, and Carson Tobias, and Trace Anderson; siblings, Marv and Loie Van Heuvelen, and Gene Van Heuvelen; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marcella Flier, Lloyd and Karen Van Duyn, Harold and Sue Van Duyn, Dort Sturgis, Paul Van Duyn; and many nieces and nephews. Clare grew up on the family farm in southwest Minnesota. As a young adult, Clare moved to Michigan. Soon after, he joined the Army and was stationed in Hawaii for his 3 years of service. Upon his return to Michigan, he met Dee, and together they raised 3 children. Clare was a truck driver at heart, working for several local trucking companies. After his retirement from Steelcase, he worked part time and volunteered at numerous organizations, including Love Your Neighbor (formerly Love INC), Dégagé Ministries, Rustic Market, Wyoming VA Clinic, and several others. Although Dee didn’t always appreciate it, Clare found enjoyment in collecting many different things, and in thrift store and yard sale shopping. His mug of coffee was always in hand and a chocolate chip cookie in the other. A service to celebrate Clare’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) at 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Pastor Susan LaClear officiating. A private burial will take place at a later date at the Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Friday, August 18, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Clare’s name to World Renew, Dégagé Ministries, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association.