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Kenneth F. VanDyke

Kenneth F. VanDyke obituary, Muskegon, MI

FUNERAL HOME

UPCOMING SERVICE

Celebration Of Life

Nov. 28, 2025

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Sytsema Chapel

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Kenneth VanDyke Obituary

Mr. Kenneth Frederick VanDyke, age 85, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 16, 2025 in Muskegon, Michigan. He was born in Muskegon on May 22, 1940 to Frederick J. and Jeannette (VanGunst) VanDyke. Ken graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School and Central Michigan University where he excelled at basketball. He was later inducted into the Muskegon Sports Hall of Fame and Central Michigan University Marcy Weston Athletics Sports Hall of Fame for his basketball accomplishments. Ken had a 30+ year career at Fruitport High School where he taught social studies and coached boys and girls basketball. In his retirement, he spent over 20 years volunteering with the Red Cross. Ken was an avid golfer and long-time member of Lincoln Golf Club. He enjoyed gardening and traveling with his wife, Nancy. On July 12, 1985, Ken married the former Nancy L. Gilmore in Grand Haven and she survives him along with six children, David Michael (Sherri L.) VanDyke, Dean Frederick (Sara J.) VanDyke, Melannie Marie (Jeffrey B.) Moody, Melissa Dee (Jami J.) Hampton, Bobbi K. (Joe) Townsend, and Shawn M. Bedwell; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Wesley G. (Jana L.) VanDyke; sister, Jane (David) Bogema; and brother-in-law, Joseph Gilmore. A CELEBRATION OF LIFE OPEN HOUSE will be held from 4-6 PM Friday, November 28, 2025 at The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Muskegon Chronicle on Nov. 19, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Kenneth VanDyke

Nov

28

Celebration of Life

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Sytsema Chapel

737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI

Funeral services provided by:

Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Sytsema Chapel

737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth VanDyke

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6 Entries

Michael Cavalier, Fruitport, Class of 1972.

Yesterday

I remember Mr. VanDyke from his years at Fruitport High School..He was well thought of by his students. He cared about his students and those he coached. My deepest condolences and sincere prayers for his family and those he loved and loved him.

Mary Lou Kramer

Yesterday

Prayers and condolences for Kens family. He was an exceptional individual and neighbor. We had a great time when our families traveled to Kentucky together. I remember looking out my kitchen window in the middle of Winter and there I'd see Ken practicing his chipping in a snow shoveled out circle in his back yard. A die-hard if I ever saw one. I know he will be missed by so many.
Mary Lou Kramer

Debra G Pattenger

Yesterday

Nancy and family, I am so sorry to see the passing of Ken. My sincere sympathy for all of you. I have great memories of him being my favorite teacher when I started at Fruitport in the 7th grade, then again having met up later in life with him and Nancy at Lincoln Golf Club. He was always so sweet and loved to catch up with whatever was going on with former students. Prayers for peace and strength in the coming days.

Deb and John Pattenger

Kim Prow

November 19, 2025

Nancy: One of my favorite Lincoln members. Always loved to see him walk through the door. Thoughts and prayers to you and the family

Tom & Susan Kampenga

November 19, 2025

Nancy & Family, Great guy, great friend. I'm know he will be missed. Our prayers are with you.

Dale and Mary Vantatenhove

November 19, 2025

Dear Dave, Jane& family
Our sincere sympathy on the passing of your brother.
May the love of friends bring you comfort today and in the days to come.
God bless you and your family.
Dale and Mary Vantatenhove

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