Russ VandenBerg

Russ VandenBerg, age 75, a skilled tradesman who owned Russ’ Plumbing and Piping in Grandville for 25 years, passed away August 24, 2018.  A plumber by trade, Russ always made sure the job was done the right way. He specialized in air compressor installations at manufacturing facilities throughout Grand Rapids. Working out of a barn behind his home in Grandville that was packed with tools, fittings, and piping–it also featured a wood stove and fish-cleaning station. Russ worked tirelessly to satisfy his customers on jobs big and small. When the work week was done, Russ liked nothing more than to be with his family, fish, or hunt. Camping was a favorite getaway for Russ and his family. He would load up the family Suburban with his wife, Sharon, their seven children, and dog, Heidi. They’d travel all over Michigan, relaxing outdoors, usually near a lake so Russ and the boys could go fishing or the family could play on the beach and swim. Later, Russ and Sharon would travel the United States in their motorhome. In retirement, Russ dabbled in odd jobs, tinkered in his barn, and added to his collection of antique coin banks. It was the mechanical ones that usually caught his eye. Russell VandenBerg was born on May 10, 1943, to Orie and Freda VandenBerg. He lived in the Grand Rapids area his whole life, most recently in Byron Center. He attended Grand Rapids Christian High School.  Russ is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon (Palma), of 47 years; seven children, Ruth Assendelft (Nick), Karen Piersma (Ron), Dody McGrew (Mike), Michael (Kristi), Russell “Rusty”, Jeffrey (Cori), and Sharon "Shari" Filidoro; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law, Joyce VandenBerg and Carolynne Workhouse (Wes). He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Paul Randall “Randy” VandenBerg; brother-in-law, Gerrit Palma; and sisters-in-law, Angeline Mieke, Betty Shuck, Geraldine Smith, and Arlene Hall.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Bethany United Reformed Church, 5401 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming, with Rev. Casey Freswick officiating. Interment will be held at Floral View Memorial Gardens.  Relatives and friends may meet the family on Monday from 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. and Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation (https://www.pmsf.org), 200 Capri Isles Blvd. Suite 7F, Venice, Florida 34292.