Howard Vanderwell

Vanderwell, Howard – April 8, 1937 to March 23, 2018. Howard passed from this world into glory, resting comfortably and surrounded by family. Howard valiantly fought pancreatic cancer for the past 15 months. It was complications from that fight that brought him to glory. Howard is preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara Jean. He leaves behind Ellie, his wife of 57 years; children and grandchildren, Ron and Deb (Johnny & Jess, Adam & Maddie, Jake), Tom and Cheryl (Kelly, Kristin, Emily, Isaac, Abby), Doug and Bev (Anne & Ben); brothers and sisters-in-law, Russ and Donna and Warren and Cathi. After serving as senior pastor at four different churches, Howard began a second career at Calvin Seminary in 2002 where he helped train the ministers of the next generation. He served there until two weeks ago. God gave Howard a writing voice that has impacted many. He is most well known for Proven Promises, a devotional written out of one of his four prior journeys through cancer which has sold thousands and helped many people going through valleys. Howard was born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan, and spent much of his ministry in small to mid-sized towns. God also used Howard to play a larger leadership role in the Christian Reformed denomination. Through his writing and his "retirement" job at Calvin Seminary, his impact on the church and its leaders will continue for a significant time to come. Private graveside services will be held at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Memorial services will be held 7 p.m. Monday, March 26, 2018, at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, 107 LaGrave Avenue SE, Grand Rapids with Rev. Peter Jonker and Rev. Ruth Boven officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville), 4145 Chicago Drive SW. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Dr. Howard and Mrs. Eleanor Vanderwell Award Endowment Fund at Calvin Seminary.