Michael L. "Mick" VandenHeuvel

Michael "Mick" Lee VandenHeuvel, age 85, of Spring Lake, MI, passed away on Tuesday morning, July 22, 2025, surrounded by his wife and family.

He was born in Ludington, MI, on December 29, 1939, and was one of five kids born to Jeffrey and Mildred (Heglund) VandenHeuvel. He graduated from Ludington High School in 1958, and after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After he completed two years of service and received an honorable discharge, he went on to obtain an associate's degree and later a bachelor of science degree from Ferris State University. After receiving his associate's degree, he accepted his one and only job with the Muskegon County Health Department. Mick retired from the Muskegon County Health Department as the Chief Sanitarian after 37 years of service. His stint with the county earned him the family nickname of "Mr. Clean" as he always rinsed out clean glasses before drinking out of them, and you could often find him in the driveway washing the cars of friends and family that were visiting.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jeffrey VandenHeuvel, his mother, Mildred (Heglund) VandenHeuvel, father-in-law, Paul (Alice) Lange, mother-in-law, Alice (Thorington) Lange, brother, Roland "Butch" VandenHeuvel, brothers-in-law, Charles (Sandy) Nelson, Jack (Donna) Thomas, Earl (Jacquy) Stroh, and sisters-in-law, Sandy (Charles) Nelson, Donna (Jack) Thomas, Alice Yvonne (Dale) Howard, Laura (Dennis) Lange, and Doris (Butch) VandenHeuvel.

Mick picked up golfing in his late 20's. He was self-taught and turned into a solid golfer. It quickly became his favorite pastime and with his unwavering patience, he shared his love of golf with his family and taught his wife and kids to all become good golfers. He was proud of his three holes-in-one over his decades-long golf career.

He also loved being outside, working in his yard, working on his wood building projects, and reading about UFO's and trying to get everyone he encountered to borrow one of his UFO books to become a believer. He also loved taking road trips and was always up for an adventure. He was loved by his family and friends for his calm, laid-back demeanor and sense of humor. He loved having a beer or two and joking around with his friends and family. After his retirement, Mick became an avid builder and built decorative wheelbarrows for plants, various types of storage cabinets, jewelry boxes, plant stands, and more. Many of his family and friends were recipients of the treasures he made.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon (Lange) VandenHeuvel, his son, Lee VandenHeuvel (Paula Sanborn), and daughter, Jill VandenHeuvel (Tim Dailey), his grandchildren, Nicholas and Travis VandenHeuvel, and three siblings, Jacquy VandenHeuvel (Stroh), Mary VandenHeuvel (Barton), and Jeanne VandenHeuvel (Swindell), and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Mick's Life will be held on August 7, 2025, at the Spring Lake Golf and Country Club from 2-4 PM with a Time of Sharing at 3 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Parkinson's Foundation, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or Trinity at Home Hospice - Grand Haven.

Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100