Eugene “Gene” VanderArk

Eugene “Gene” D. VanderArk, age 80, of Jenison, ended his 53-year courageous battle with MS on August 31, 2021. He is running and jumping in Heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His unfailing love and faith in his Lord sustained him in all his battles. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Kathryn VanderArk; and his brothers, Charles Jr. and John VanderArk. He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his care-giving and devoted wife of 56 years, Judy (DeLeeuw); their daughters, Tamara (Jim) Bowser, Terri (Jim) Avink; four wonderful grandchildren, Zachary Bowser, Kathryn Bowser, Joshua Avink, and Nathan Avink; siblings, Thelma Battjes, Janice (David) Moll, Ken (Rose) VanderArk; sisters-in-law, JoAnn Slifko, and Carol (John) Ritzema; and many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, and wonderful friends. He graduated from Ottawa Hills High School and Davenport University. Gene worked for over 30 years at Steelcase. As his disease progressed, he set aside his love of hunting and fishing to design and make a model train layout. Gene later went on to create many beautiful paintings for every season. The family wishes to thank the staff at SKLD of Zeeland for the love and care given to Gene. A celebration of Gene’s life will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Fellowship Reformed Church, 6610 36th Ave., Hudsonville, with Rev. Shawn Hulst officiating. The burial will take place at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday, September 3, from 4-7 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. at church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Youth Fund at Fellowship Reformed Church.