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Adrian Vander Veer Obituary
He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Ellen (Veurink); and by brother-in-law, William Blacquire. He is survived by his daughters, Mary Beth and Ross Witteveen, Jane and Don Lindeman; grandchildren, Jamie and John Allen, Anne Lindeman, Nick and Jamie Witteveen, Kate Witteveen; great-grandchildren, Lucy Reagan, Sophia Allen, Stella Allen; sister and brother, Gladys Blacquire, Clarence (Gladys) Vander Veer; sister-in-law, Barbara and Ken Thomasma; several nieces and nephews.
During World War II, Adrian proudly served as an officer in General Eisenhower's Headquarters located in Versailles, France. For many years he was the Principal of Newhall Junior High in the Wyoming School District. He was also a charter member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church where he served as Elder and Deacon.
Memorial services will be Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. in the chapel of Raybrook Manor, 2121 Raybrook SE, Grand Rapids, with Rev. Robert Koornneef officiating. Interment Rest Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, Tuesday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Raybrook Manor or to Calvin Christian Reformed Church. The family would like to thank the staff of Raybrook for the thoughtful and kind care given to Adrian.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Adrian Vander Veer
Sponsored by Zaagman Memorial Chapel Inc.
6 Entries
Roger A. Hofstra
March 19, 2018
I attended Newhall Junior High School in the early 1960s. I spent a lot of time during school hours in his office, as an invited guest. It was because of his kind and even hand at discipline, and also the dedication of my Teachers Donna Beam, Bernie Langerhorst, Georgianna Kayser, Olive TenElshof and Bill Renkenberger, that I became an English Teacher. Newhall Jr. High was a very progressive, optimistic, exciting school to attend. Our education was always attuned to Science and Current Events. We held campaign rallies during the Nixon-Kennedy election of 1960, right there in the main lobby. We had no gymnasium at the time. We were taught the principles of debate, years before it was offered as a course in High School. We got more than a quality education there, under the tutelage and graceful guidance of Mr. Adrian Vander Veer. As the years go by, I realize that those were indeed some of the best years of my life. Fully forty years later, I crossed paths with Bernie Langerhorst in an airport. I got to tell him that he was part of the reason I became a teacher. I taught English and Journalism in San Diego California. The same thing happened to me at the Gerald Ford Airport....a former student caught up to me to declare...that she had become a Teacher because of me. See how that works? Cast your bread upon the water.....then give thanks to the people who brought you those blessings. We called him "Ade," but never to his face. He was a blessing.
March 18, 2014
My parents, Bill and Dona Renkenberger worked with Mr. Vander Veer at Newhall Junior High for many years. I remember Mr. Vander Veer as a kind and humorous man. He was certainly a man of God. I'm sure my mom and he are rejoicing together in heaven. He will surely be missed here!
Linda Tinsman
Laura Johnson
March 13, 2014
My Mom, Sally, grew up across the street from Ade and Virginia. He was my principal at Newhall and so caring. I am so sorry for your loss.
March 11, 2014
Ade and Ginny VanderVeer -
A pillar of Calvin Church. Long to be remembered.
Hap and Sharon Hecker
Jeannine and Ron Lemmon
March 11, 2014
We are so sorry to learn of Adrian's passing. It was a pleasure to get to know him and work with him when he sold his condo. He was a true gentleman!
Jean Robart
March 11, 2014
I remember a wonderful educator and a wonderful man from my years as a student at Newhall Junior High, and as I performed my student teaching there in 1970. God bless you Mr Vanderveer.
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