Warren R. VanTongeren

Claiming and living God’s promise of everlasting life, Warren Ray VanTongeren’s earthly life ended on Friday, April 17, 2020 at the age of 90.

He was a devoted husband to Marian (Dice) VanTongeren for 67 years.  His legacy of Christian witness, thinking, and living will be lovingly remembered by Marian and their five children, Tom (Amy) VanTongeren, John (Beth) Van Tongeren, Jane (Duane) Prins, Beth (Brett) Snoeyink, and Lyn (John) Groothuis.  He was a grandfather to sixteen and “Grandpa Great” to fifteen.  He mourned the loss of three grandchildren who were born deceased.  Warren was the second of six children born to William and Rhea VanTongeren and is survived by a brother, Larry and Carla VanTongeren; sister, Rhea Zandee; sisters-in-law, Nancy VanTongeren, Louise VanTongeren, Gerry Dice; and brother-in-law, Phil Pikaart.

In his earlier years Warren was a social activist who with passionate voice, pen, and work cared deeply for those who struggled to flourish and who faced injustice.  (Matthew 25:35-45).  As an educator, he first worked in Nigeria assisting the country with establishing an educational system following their independence.  He then taught for several years at a local high school before spending the majority of his career teaching and developing curriculum in the state correctional facility.  Post retirement years allowed time for enjoyment of many interests including travel, gardening, fishing, and refinishing furniture.  He and Marian also worked in two famine relief programs in Zambia and Tanzania.

Over the past few years due to medical complications, Warren struggled to find words and daily life became increasingly difficult.  The family is grateful to the many caregivers at American House-Jenison and Visiting Angels for their loving care of our father during these times.

There will be a private family memorial service at a later date.  Warren was a passionate supporter of Bread for the World.  If you choose to make a donation in his memory, please consider this organization.

“Were the whole realm of nature mine

That were a present far too small

Love so amazing, so divine

Demands my soul, my life, my all.”