Ronald T. Vanden Bosch

Ronald Thomas Vanden Bosch, age 83, of Hudsonville, went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 8, 2020. The son of Gerrit and Sadie Vanden Bosch, born March 23, 1937, has completed his earthly journey. Ron has crossed over into his final eternal destiny of "Promise", conquering "death" his last earthly enemy. For those who have walked this journey before him, they are now rejoicing in perfection with him. He is free of his earthly "ills" and singing praises to his Lord and Savior whom he loved, honored, and adored. He is joining his parents, his premature son, and beloved sisters, Geneva DeFouw and Patricia Koetsier, along with many of his special in-laws, relatives and friends.

Ron grew up on the north side of Grand Rapids. At age 10, he lost his father, leaving behind his mother and older sisters, Geneva and Pat. Although ten years is not long, Ron was influenced deeply by his dad. He recalls one Christmas morning awakening to a toy train that was setup and in working order around the dining room table. He had a good sense of humor, was loved by many, adored his family, and held a strong belief in God. That legacy was passed on to Ron and was demonstrated by his unfailing devotion to his wife, Dorothy, and their family. Ron enlisted in the Army in 1957 and was trained as a medic at Fort Sam Houston, TX. He was deployed in August that same year, and served in Verdun, France at the Army Hospital, until March 1959. Upon his return, he was greeted by his sweetheart, Dorothy, who had been eagerly waiting for him. They married in October 1959 and were blessed with more than 60 years together. They shared every aspect of their lives together. In his youth, Ron played hockey and eventually became a referee in high school, college, and semi-pro leagues. He also was an avid skier and enjoyed that sport well into his 70’s. Ron worked with his hands as a brick mason for many years. He transitioned to gift sales at Enesco Giftware Co., in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, from which he retired.  He also was a good gardener. Corn, beans, and tomatoes were his “summer prizes”. One of his most distinguished accomplishments was his ability to play a strategic Scrabble game - and laugh heartily at the “win”. He was fun-loving and lived honestly and with humility. He loved his church family nearly as much as his own. He forged many special relationships with the young and the elderly. Most remarkable was his unfailing love for God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He knew he was only passing through in this world, and kept his eyes fixed on heavenly things. His longing to be with Jesus has been realized, and he now rests in perfect peace with the Savior of the world.

He is survived by the love of his life, Dorothy Mae (Vogel) Vanden Bosch, when love for each other was expressed on October 23, 1959...his dear wife, beloved children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are now left to adjust to missing his earthly presence and love. He is also survived by, his daughter, Deanne (Patrick) Carbone; granddaughters, Olivia Kathryn (Jeffrey) Thompson, Anna Grace, and Laine Elizabeth Carbone; son, Thomas (Meg) Vanden Bosch; granddaughters, Jessica Joy and Lillian Mae Vanden Bosch; two dear stepchildren, Kristen and Mike Gnass, Michael (Kari) Penn-Davies; and step great-grandchildren, Evelyn Jane, Violet Clare, Cecelia Isobell, and Sophie Lummen Penn-Davies; stepsister,  Marcia DeGraaf; stepbrother, Roger and Pokey DeGraaf; sisters-in-law, Marguerite Lane and Harriet Meekhof; and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may meet the family on Monday, May 11, 2020, from 5-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW.  Due to gathering restrictions, there will be a limit on the number of people who may enter the building at one time.  A private graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 12, at 2 p.m. at Georgetown Township Cemetery with Rev. Phil Vos and Rev. Steve Arrick officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.mkdfuneralhome.com  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Cornerstone United Reformed Church Benevolence Fund or Forgotten Man Ministries.