Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
William VanRyswyk Obituary
William "Bill" VanRyswyk, Jr., 82, of Benton Harbor passed away Sunday, May 25, 2025, at his residence.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 28 at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma, where the family will receive friends beginning on hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bill may be made to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Schools in St. Joseph or to Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.
Bill was born Jan. 22, 1943, in Roseland, Ill., to William and Nellie (VenDenNess) VanRyswyk, Sr. He was the Benton Township public works director for over 40 years. Bill was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion, and the Coloma Rod and Gun Club. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and outdoor enthusiast that enjoyed being on Paw Paw Lake with his buddies. He truly loved family celebrations and was always elated as the family grew.
Bill is survived by his wife Dorothy "Dot Moe" (Motry) whom he married Jan. 22, 1965; three daughters, Charlotte "Char" (Craig) Marzke of St. Joseph, Dawn (Tom) Utendorf of Leesburg, Va., Julie (Cary) Pender of St. Joseph; and a son Billy (Christi) VanRyswyk III of Malakoff, Texas. Also surviving is his sister Sharron (Rod) Krieger of Coloma, 12 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Bill was preceded in death by his father William VanRyswyk, Sr., and his mother Nellie Keesler.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William VanRyswyk
2 Entries
Norm Smith
May 27, 2025
There were so many good times Bill and I shared together it´s almost too hard to remember them all, but I always will. I told him many times if there were only two people left on earth and I was one, I hoped he was the other because then I would survive. It is very rare to have a friend like "Bill". His honesty was contagious. Most definitely one of the best people and we can only hope there will be more like him. Rest in peace my good friend.
Candy Sweet
May 26, 2025
So many years of being the BEST neighbor EVER. I will surely miss seeing you outside on your mower or the quad.
You were my hero for so many things. It won´t be the same.
RIP You certainly will not be forgotten. With love, Candy
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in William VanRyswyk's name
Memorial Events
for William VanRyswyk
May
28
Funeral services provided by:
Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home6548 Paw Paw Ave, Coloma, MI 49038
How to support William's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William VanRyswyk's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
