Dale VanderLaan

Dale H. VanderLaan, 81, of Irons, Michigan, was called home to be with his Lord on Monday, July 22, 2024. He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, and respected member of his community.

Dale was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where throughout his life he worked as a barber, plowed snow, was a butcher, and eventually retired from a job at his brother-in-law's business, Brookview Lawncare.

He served his country with honor in the Vietnam War and was deeply grateful for the recognition he received last fall from the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, an experience that meant a great deal to him.

Dale found joy in simple pleasures—fishing on Big Bass Lake, bowling with friends, and most of all, spending time with his beloved family. Some of his fondest memories were made at the lake, where he delighted in pulling his children and grandchildren behind the boat, creating cherished moments that will be forever treasured.

Dale liked to travel, particularly enjoying family trips to Florida. In later years, he and his wife, Betty, spent winters there enjoying the sunshine and forging lasting friendships.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Edna; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Bill and Margaret; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob and Betty, Ken and Marcia; and his wife’s twin brother, Billy Boes (survived by his wife, Sharon).

Dale will be deeply missed by his wife of 58 years, Betty VanderLaan (nee Boes); his children, Tami (Ben) Lukaart and Todd (Danielle) Vanderlaan; seven grandchildren, Summer (Kody), Cassidy (Garrett), Colby, Brooke, Keegan, Erica (Dan), and Sierra; great-grandson, Landry; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

A memorial service to celebrate Dale’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 30, at Fair Haven Church, 2900 Baldwin St., Hudsonville, MI, with Pastor Greg VanderMeer officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Monday, July 29, from 6-8 p.m. at the church and on Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. at the church prior to the service.

Those who wish to make memorial contributions in Dale’s honor may donate to the fund of their choice at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center. 

Dale’s legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family and community will forever remain in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace, reunited with loved ones gone before him, in the eternal embrace of God’s love.

“God is your faithful father. When you are in a storm, He is your captain. When you are drowning, He is your lifeguard. When you are attacked, He is your refuge. When you are accused, He is your defender. When you are in need, He is your provider. When you are overwhelmed, He is your peace.”