David Vander Vliet

David Mark Vander Vliet, age 36, of Wyoming, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026. He was born on November 23, 1989, to Gordon and Michelle Vander Vliet. Mischievous from the very beginning, David was deeply loved for his spirited nature. As a child, he was curious about many things, and that curiosity carried into his adult years. He had a passion for the outdoors and a deep appreciation for music. David was always ready for an adventure whether it be hiking, camping, skiing Black Diamond slopes, riding motorcycles, or camping with friends and putting on a pyrotechnic show. Whatever it was, big or small, he had a way of making every moment feel exciting and meaningful. David also found joy in the simple pleasures in life, a great cup of coffee, something for his sweet tooth, sunsets, hiking off the beaten path, spinning vinyl records, and getting lost in a good book. Creativity was another of David’s gifts. He had a natural artistic talent and was a skilled craftsman and expressed it through pottery, woodworking, and metal working. A true artisan baker, he took pride in milling his own flour for homemade bread. He appreciated music and enjoyed sharing that connection with others. From a young age, he taught himself to play the electric guitar, filling the house with powerful riffs ascending from the basement. As he grew older, he honed his wilderness skills and survival techniques and practiced them as much as he could. It goes without saying, whatever David was doing he embraced it fully. He will be remembered for his vibrant spirit and fantastic, keen sense of humor. His beautiful smile said it all. Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we are comforted in faith that David was welcomed into the open arms of Jesus. We trust he has found peace, been restored, and made whole in the presence of the Lord.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Vander Vliet; grandparents, Wayne Vander Vliet, Wilson and Sharon Karsten; and best friend, Joshua Ross. David will be lovingly and always remembered by his mother, Michelle Vander Vliet-Kelly and Roger Kelly; siblings, Ryan Vander Vliet, Lynnae (Sam) Nutkins; niece, Daisy; paternal grandmother, Lorraine Vander Vliet; aunts and uncles, Mark (Karen) Vander Vliet, Greg (Jeanie) Karsten, Kim (Darren) Kochavi, David (Elizabeth) Karsten, Nicole (Mike) Polaske, Kristin (Brent) Duncan; his beloved friend, Alma Ross and her children, Joshua Ross and Grace Ross, who David loved as his own; and many cherished cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Burial will take place at Kent Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Friday, April 10, from 5-8 pm and on Saturday from 9:30-10:15 am at the funeral home. If you would like to make a donation in David’s memory, please consider Kids’ Food Basket of Grand Rapids.