Robert VandenBerg

Robert Peter VandenBerg passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by family who dearly loved him. He was a man of faith – a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend to so many.

Bob was born August 21, 1944, to Christian and Lena VandenBerg and welcomed by older brother, Allan. Later Allan and Bob welcomed sisters, Ruth and Marge.  

Bob attended Moline Christian School and South Christian High School graduating in 1962. After high school, he began working at Gallmeyer & Livingston as a machinist. Bob was drafted for service in 1965 and served in Vietnam from May 1966 to May 1967. 

After returning from Vietnam, he married Marie Johnson who he had met on a blind date shortly before leaving for the service. Bob and Marie were married in Ackley, Iowa on June 14, 1968, and then made their home in Byron Center, Michigan. A couple of years later, they welcomed their first child Karen, then Sheri, then David. 

In the early 80’s, Bob began a hobby of roasting pigs which eventually turned into a business, one that he enjoyed for 42 years. David was proud to join Bob in the journey and will carry on the family business, bringing pork to many special occasions. 

Bob and Marie attended Forest Grove Christian Reformed Church where he served as an elder, deacon, and in other capacities. 

Bob was also involved and very proud to participate in countless parades, driving one of his tractors or joining other veterans. Bob was extremely proud that he could still wear his uniform and wore it to honor President Gerald Ford in 2006 when the Grand Rapids native was laid to rest. 

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Marie; daughters, Karen Lepine, and Sheri (Jim) Monroe; son, David VandenBerg; grandsons, Sean and Evan Monroe, and Wesley and Hudson VandenBerg. He is also survived by his brother, Allan VandenBerg; sisters, Ruth (Jay) Clevenger, Marge Palmerlee; brothers-in-law and their families, Jim and Sandi Johnson (Travis, Nicole), Ronnie and Marcella Wingo; and other very special family members, Deloy and Sandy Johnson, Angie and Jonny VanderMate (Zeke, Charlie), Amanda and Dan Johnson, and Allie Johnson. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Christian and Lena; and sister-in-law, Hermena VandenBerg. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bob’s honor may be made to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or the American Diabetes Association. Bob’s family is profoundly grateful for the exceptional and compassionate care he received throughout his journey. Special thanks are extended to the dedicated teams at Corewell Health, the VA Hospitals, and Fresenius Kidney Care in Zeeland. The family also wishes to thank Faith Hospice for the peaceful comfort and dignity they provided to Bob in his final days at home. Memorial contributions may be made to any of these organizations in his name. 

A service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Forest Grove Christian Reformed Church, 3515 Perry St., Hudsonville, with Rev. Jeffery Scripps officiating. The burial will take place at Forest Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, October 27, from 5-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Jamestown) 2371 Riley St., Hudsonville.