Obituary of George Ronald VanderVeer

George Ronald VanderVeer (G-Pops) passed away peacefully at his home in Wimauma, FL. on November 20, 2019 with his family by his side.  George was born on March 26, 1938 in Holland, Michigan, to Andrew and Cornelia VanderVeer.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Dr. CG VanderVeer, and his sisters, Lois Rodenhouse, Gladys Enzinga, and Viola Evers. 

He graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 1956 and attended Calvin College and Davenport College in Grand Rapids.  George served two years of active duty in the Army and 4 years in the Army reserve, with a rank of Specialist Fourth Class.  He served in the infantry at Fort Riley, Kansas and the tank battalion at Fort Irwin, CA.

 George initially worked at Michigan Express Inc. of Grand Rapids and Holland, then in 1967 he began his career at Herman Miller in Zeeland, MI.   He retired in 2008. On February 27, 1982, George married the love of his life, Mary Battaglia. Together they were blessed with 5 children, Sean VanderVeer (Abby), Nathan VanderVeer, Natalie Bailey (Derrick), Rick VanderVeer, and Rhonda Stygstra. 

As a young man George sang in a group called “Sounds of Joy” and gave concerts at west Michigan churches and other venues for religious causes.  He was active in the Lutheran Church and worked as the choir director in Holland, MI.  He was also a member of the American Legion.  George was an avid reader, cross word specialist, and an accomplished wood worker.  He stayed active by getting out on the golf course as often as he could.  He enjoyed watching team sports, especially the Tampa Bay Lightning, which was a passion he shared with his children and grandchildren.  But his greatest passion in life was sailing the Great Lakes with his loving wife, Mary.  Together they enjoyed many memories and many sunsets side by side.

 George will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 38 years, Mary, his children, their spouses, his grandchildren, Mason, Ashton, and Declan Bailey, many brother and sister’s in law, nieces, nephews, and numerous treasured friends.  A private burial, with full military honors, will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, Florida on January 23, 2020.  A celebration of life will follow.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made in George’s memory to Florida Hospice and Palliative Care or the American Diabetes Association.