Robert Vanderveen

07/28/1925

06/20/2019

Age 93, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2019 in the loving arms of his family. He was preceded in death by his great granddaughter Harper Heck.
Bob attended Lee High School and upon graduating, enlisted in the U.S. Army on Veterans Day, 1943. He served in France during World War II where he met his beautiful wife-to-be, Jeannette Duflez on a blind date in Paris. Upon returning home after the war, they were married in 1947.Bob’s professional career began in real estate in the 1950’s and later was employed by R.D Brooks, a builder/development company in the Grand Rapids area. Bob soon became Vice President there, and eventually began his own building and development company that specialized in custom homes. He also built East Hills Tennis Club, West Hills Tennis Club in Kalamazoo, and Northwest Racquet Club in Michigan City, IN. Far exceeding his business accomplishments was Bob’s love of animals, kindness, and loving devotion to his family and friends. He leaves behind his wife of 72 years, Jeannette; children, Eric (Christine) VanDerVeen, Michelle (Dale) Monticello and grandchildren Brook Monticello, Kerry (Todd) Heck and great granddaughter, Lexi Heck. Visitation will be Sunday, June 23 from 3-5 PM at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids. Private graveside services at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Bob VanderVeen and Harper Heck to Calvin College Development, Attn: Amy Wilsterman, 3201 Burton Street SE, Grand Rapids, 49546 or The Humane Society of West Michigan, 3077 Wilson Drive NW, Grand Rapids 49534.

Sign the Guestbook

2 Responses

  1. I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was an outstanding man and consummate professional.

  2. I always remembered you to be a really nice Dad to my friend Michelle. I know you are deeply loved, and will be greatly missed!
    Deborah (DeGroot) Holmes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.