Louis Vander Kaay, age 97, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 and now sleeps in the arms of his Lord. Born in Grand Rapids, MI on the 23rd of December, 1916, he was the middle of three siblings and a 1st generation American whose parents immigrated from the Netherlands. Dad was a gentle, courageous soul who committed himself fully to his family, faith and music (violin, piano, cornet). Having served in the National Guard for eight years (16-24 years old), he played cornet for them once a week after retiring. He was also very active in his church, playing cornet for the choir much of his life, and swam several times per week into his early 90s. Louis was a graduate of Ottawa Hills High School, where he played basketball and football, and a life-long fan and graduate of Michigan State University, which he attended on a music scholarship.
Louis was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorothy, who passed in July of 1999, and his beloved sons, baby Kenneth, Don and Dale. He is survived by his first-born son, Richard, and wife Mary Lee (Willard); his grandchildren — Christine (Mrs. Robert Lewis), Kelly and Lisa — and five great-grandchildren: Brittany, Nicholas, Kaitie, Addison and Cole. Rest in peace, Dad. We love you and will miss you dearly. You will remain forever in our hearts. Psalm 23. Funeral service will be held Friday 12:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids. Rev. Nancy Claus of Porter Hills Presbyterian Village officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to The Green House of Porter Hills, 1029 East Paris Ave. S.E., Grand Rapids, MI
