Mark Steven VanderMeer, 60, of Allegan, MI passed away Monday, October 15, 2018 at his home with his family by his side. Born November 19, 1957 in Grand Rapids, he was the son of Thelma J. (Vogelaar) VanderMeer and the late John VanderMeer and for 37 years was the husband of Maria (Gilbert) VanderMeer. He fought a terrible battle with stomach cancer, and despite his suffering, he passed away peacefully surrounded by those that he loved. Like all of us, our dad was an imperfect man who lived an imperfect life, but his last weeks here on earth were just about as perfect as you could get. We were given the most precious gift we could ask for, and that is time. Time to say our goodbyes, to set things right; time to be together as a family; and time to say 'I love you'. If there is beauty to be found in death, we found it. In those last weeks, we were able to celebrate holidays together, tell stories, reminisce, and care for each other in ways that we haven't done before. It is easy when someone dies to look back and dwell on the parts of that person's life that make us feel regret, sorrow, and loss. Our dad had these struggles, and they could have colored his life in a way that would make it simple to look back and only see the gray. But he was also capable of great love, carried that in his heart, and he showed it the best way he knew how. He was proud of his family, and he worked hard to make sure they were well-cared for. He loved the simple things in life, like camping trips to the Mackinaw Bridge, a fall day, the Detroit Red Wings, a good steak, and apple pie. He loved Christmas more than any other holiday. Our dad's life was abundantly blessed, and he counted his blessings well. His quiet strength and his joyful spirit shaped his children and grandchildren in such a way that his presence will continue to be felt here in our midst. Through the darkness of these past weeks, God helped us all find the last thing we expected: He helped us find our rainbows. May eternal rest grant unto you, oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon you. May your soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. In addition to his mother and his wife, Mark is survived by his daughters, Jolene (Ben) Clearwater and Andrea (Chris) Dulac; grandsons, Mason, Jacob, Adrian and Mario; brothers, Richard (Carol) VanderMeer and Doug VanderMeer; sister-in-law, Sue VanderMeer; mother-in-law, Virginia Gilbert; siblings-in-law, Larry (Jennifer) Gilbert, Jeffery (Lauren) Gilbert, Angela (Kevin) Killeen, Christine (David) Doxey and Deborah (Tim) Fry; and many nieces and nephews. Along with his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Craig VanderMeer; and his father-in-law, Carl Gilbert. The family will receive friends at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on Friday, October 19, 2018 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM with the Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:15 AM, Rev. Fr. Simon Manjooran officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church Youth or Wings of Hope Hospice. Interment at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Cemetery. Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, assisting the family with arrangements.

Visitation Details

Friday, October 19th, 2018 10:00am - 11:00am, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

Service Information

Friday, October 19th, 2018 11:15am, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

Interment Details

Friday, October 19th, 2018 12:45pm, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Cemetery