Richard “Rich” A. Veldhuis

Veldhuis, Richard “Rich” Richard “Rich” Alan Veldhuis age 66, of Wyoming passed away peacefully at home with his family and friends at his side. He was born on December 31, 1948 to Alvin and Harriet Veldhuis. He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin; step father, Kenneth Stanaback; infant son, Mitchell Blake Veldhuis; and his special pet, “Max-Dog”. He is survived by his children, Jason (Jamie) Veldhuis, Mindy (Doug) Mench, Holly Veldhuis; grandchildren, Deven, Chris, Myah, Bentley, Caden, Wyatt; mother, Harriet Stanaback; sister, Karen (Steve) VanDyke; several nieces, nephews and many friends. He recently retired from Clipper Belt Lacer after 35 years of service. Rich enjoyed rock polishing, softball, fishing and jigsaw puzzles. He was especially known for his fantastic home made “Rich’s Great Jerk Beefy”. He had a great sense of humor and marveled at the ironies of life. He was very ingenuitive and had the ability to fix anything. The family would like to especially thank Gentiva Hospice for their loving care of Rich. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1:00 pm at the Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Chapel (Kentwood), 4646 Kalamazoo Ave. SE with Bill Hoogewind officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 11 am – 1 pm. Inurnment in Rosedale Memorial Park. The family requests memorial contributions be given to The Farm: Where Living Things Grow, Inc., 623 E. Main St., Fremont, MI 49412 which is his daughter’s non-profit prevention/counseling agency.

Leave Your Tribute Message

September 20, 2015 3:24pm
Thank you everyone who has taken the time to post comments here. I really appreciate reading about how special he was to everyone. It is comforting to know that he's touched so many lives. ... @Donna Wendt, dad was really fond of Nick, he shared some emotions he had the morning of Nick's accident and kept his jersey displayed for years at his home. I still have pictures of me dancing with Nick at my dad's wedding in '95. He was a handsome man, (I had a teenage girl crush!). Tony and Chris, you were dad's best friends, and I thank you for everything! Mindy, you aren't alone, I feel like a lost little girl a lot of the times. He's taught us so much and mostly he's taught us to be "assets to society", which we are. Our daddy didn't raise no lay back and take it, welfare kind of kids! We work hard for what we need and want, that he taught us! He's playing softball with Nick and Mitch, telling jokes in his youthful prime before be ever knew physical or mental pain. I will miss him terribly too.

- Holly Veldhuis

September 16, 2015 11:22am
Rich was a great guy. He was the one that always kept the class reunions going. I am sure I am not he only class mate that will really miss Rich's smile and his jokes.

- Rene' Russo

September 15, 2015 4:23am
Rich will be greatly missed by many, my condolences to Harriet, Jason, Mindy, and Holly. I will especially miss his unique views and how he found something to laugh about around every corner. Looking at this picture reminds me of how his laughter was so contagious. He was a very special person.

- Chris

September 14, 2015 5:52am
Rich had such a big heart. He was the first to be there for me during difficult times in my life. I will truly miss my best fishing buddy.

- Tony

September 14, 2015 4:35am
Harriet, Jason, Mindy and Holly, I was shocked when I read the obit about your son and dad, I remember Rich and all of you so well and I have often thought of you all and wondered what you were doing, I am so so sorry to hear about Rich He truly was a great man. I have many fond memories of him. He will be greatly missed by all. (PS I work at Rosedale so maybe I'll see you sometime. Love to you all. Dianne (Kessel) Teunis

- Dianne (Kessel) Teunis

September 13, 2015 4:14pm
Your dad played softball with my brother, Nick, years ago when they both worked at Clipper. Nick passed away in 2004 and Rich came to see our family and I realized how much he admired Nick. I got to know him a little and I thought he was a wonderful person. I am sorry for your loss. Look at all the beautiful memories of your dad when you are say and they will comfort you. Nick welcomed him with open arms and he will watch over him.

- Donna Wendt

September 13, 2015 3:07am
I miss you dad. I feel lost......

- mindy




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