VanderLaan, Robert On Sunday, November 1, 2015, Robert VanderLaan went to be with his Lord. Bob was 85 years old. He was preceded in death by his wife, Millie of 64 years and by his brother Harold. Bob is survived by his children, Linda and Dan Slotsema and Robert and Ann VanderLaan. Surviving grandchildren and great grandchildren include: Paul and Pam Slotsema and their children, Polly, Preston and Pierce; Nicole VanderLaan; Katherine and Luke Raymond and their daughter, Sarah Claire; Christine and Patrick Minor and their daughters, Zelda and Adelaide; David Slotsema; Michael and Rachel Slotsema; Jane Slotsema, and Sarah Slotsema. Bob was born in 1930 in Dutton, Michigan. He was the younger son of John and Florence VanderLaan. Bob attended the one-room "Smith School" through ninth grade and later graduated from both Grand Rapids Christian High School and Calvin College. He received a Masters Degree in Political Education from the University of Michigan. Following a ten-year teaching career at both Baxter Christian School and South Christian High School, Bob served as Paris Township Trustee, Clerk and Supervisor continuing on to serve twenty years as a Michigan State Senator from the thirty-first district. During his Senate career, he held numerous leadership positions. Following his service in the Michigan Senate, Bob formed his own business, Governmental Consultant Services Incorporated. He served as the chairman of this business for twelve years. In his retirement, he especially enjoyed spending time with family in Pentwater, winters in Florida, golfing, and traveling with friends. Funeral Services will be held at Millbrook Christian Reformed Church, 3661 Poinsettia Ave. SE, on Thursday, November 5 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 4 at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM and at the church on Thursday, one hour prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Back to God Hour, Calvin College and Seminary or Wedgwood Christian Services.

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Published by Grand Rapids Press from Nov. 2 to Nov. 3, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert VanderLaan

4 Entries

November 5, 2015

Bob Jr and Family: So sorry for the loss father.
My thought and prayers are with you and your family.
I remember talking to your dad many years ago, very pleasant person.
Sincerely yours, Doris Kuklewski (Morales)
(Millbrook and South Christian friend) class of 76

November 5, 2015

I am offering condolences to the family on behalf of the Kentwood Historic Preservation Commission. Robert Vanderlaan participated in our oral history program and the Smith School reunion for several years. We appreciate the contributions he made to Paris Township/Kentwood history.
Esther Middlewood, Chair
KHPC

Tom Mathieu

November 3, 2015

Condolences to all the family of Bob VanderLaan. We were colleagues in the Michigan legislature and worked closely together on funding for the Gerald Ford museum

Tom Mathieu
State Representative (Retired)

November 3, 2015

A true Christian Gentleman, whom I had the pleasure of working with many years ago during his term in the Michigan Senate. Our condolences to the VanderLaan family.
Warren Hecker - EGR

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2800 Burton St Se, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

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