Harold VanDuyn

Harold Eugene VanDuyn, 81, passed away on June 10, 2025, and entered his heavenly home after a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma and leukemia. He was born in Rock Valley, Iowa, on March 16, 1944. He moved to Michigan when he was in the 8th grade and attended three different schools before graduating from Hudsonville High School. He worked at Steelcase for 37 years, where he had 25 years of perfect attendance, and worked his way up from factory worker to management. 

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Simon and Hermina VanDuyn; his parents-in-law, Harold and Barbara VandeVelde; sister, Delores VanHeuvelen; brothers-in-law, Henry Flier, David Sturgis, and Clarence VanHeuvelen; and sister-in-law, Lynn VanDuyn. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan (VandeVelde) VanDuyn; children, Kevin (Kim) VanDuyn and Amy (Ed) Kornoelje; grandchildren: Taylor VanDuyn, Peyton (Colin) Reams, Trevor (Kaylee) VanDuyn, Kylie VanDuyn, McKenna VanDuyn, Charles (Haley) Kornoelje, and Sadie Kornoelje; great-granddaughters, Raylee and Joanie Reams, and Cora VanDuyn; his siblings, Marcella Flier, Lloyd (Karen) VanDuyn, Paul VanDuyn, and Dorothy Sturgis; brothers-in-law, Gary and Ray VandeVelde; special nephews and niece, Skyler, Jacob and Heather VandeVelde; as well as many other nieces, nephews, and friends.

Harold and Sue married on October 14, 1989, and they were soulmates. They took many memorable trips, loved having “cousin sleepovers” with the grandkids, and thoroughly enjoyed sharing life together.  Harold was the love of my life, and it was an honor to care for him throughout his illness.

Harold loved people well and was happiest when his house was full and he was surrounded by his entire family. His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were cherished and gave him so much joy. He was their biggest cheerleader, whether it was at sporting events, concerts, plays, or any activity they participated in.  He had a strong moral compass and work ethic, which he passed on to his family, leading by example. 

Harold loved the Detroit Pistons and Tigers, often “coaching” them loudly from his side of the TV. He had a great sense of humor, and was the first to laugh at himself. He told the same jokes over and over, but we laughed every time so he kept on telling them. We never knew what he was going to say next, but whatever it was, you would usually end up smiling and laughing. He adored his dog, Callie. He talked to strangers. He couldn’t eat spaghetti without getting some on his shirt. He loved tidiness, organization, a perfectly manicured yard, and a clean garage. He loved coaching and the opportunity to have a positive influence on young people.  

For him, every day was an opportunity for an adventure and every person was an opportunity for a new friendship. His was a lifetime of volunteer work, he truly had a servant’s heart. He led with humility and service and demonstrated selfless love. He coached baseball and basketball, from Georgetown Little League to Jenison girls’ basketball and Calvin University baseball. He umpired and refereed. He served at Fair Haven Church as a deacon, elder, and Sunday School teacher. He volunteered at Hand2Hand and had a passion for their mission of providing weekend food to children at-risk. After his cancer diagnosis in 2010, he and Sue helped start and lead a support group for multiple myeloma patients. 

Harold loved the Lord with his whole heart, and his faith was strong. A former employee summed it up best, “Harold is the best example of a living Christian I’ve ever encountered. Harold saves judgment for the Lord, and focuses on the important messages in the Bible, and I’m encouraged by his example.” We know he’s in heaven now rejoicing with his Lord and Savior, and we look forward to the day we are reunited. We will miss his big hugs and contagious belly laughs, his “State of the Family” addresses, his encouragement, huge heart, generosity, courage, warm smile, and most of all, his unconditional love.

The family would like to thank Dr. Brett Brinker and Marti Zietse for the excellent care they provided to Harold for many years at Cancer and Hematology Centers. The staff at Trillium Woods was so very caring and compassionate in his final days.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Fair Haven Church, 2900 Baldwin St., Hudsonville, 49426 with Pastor Michael Caley officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Friday, June 20 from 5-8 pm at Fair Haven Church and on Saturday from 10-11 am prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hand2Hand Ministries.