Jerry A. VanDenBerg
April 20, 1944 – October 17, 2021
In accordance with his wish cremation will take place and he will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery with full military honors on Friday, November 5, 2021, at 12:00 PM, (please gather at the assembly area at Ft. Custer, 15 minutes prior to the service). Following the interment, a luncheon will be held at the VFW Post 1527, 1920 Kilgore Rd. Portage, MI 49002. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 77, passed away on October 17, 2021, at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek, MI. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI, on April 20, 1944, the son of the late William and Lorraine (Otis) VanDenBerg. After graduating from Portage Central High School, he attended Grand Rapids Jr. College. He went on to serve our country honorably as a Marine during the Vietnam War. Jerry would never forget those men and women he served with or the need for their continued care. This led him to volunteer at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek for more than fifteen years. He was also a member of the Marine Corp League. Upon returning home from the service, he made Kalamazoo his home and took a job working for the City of Kalamazoo until his retirement in 1996. When not working he enjoyed playing golf, running, and spending time with his family and friends. Jerry’s kind smile and dedicated heart will be missed by all who knew him. On July 3, 1971, he married the love of his life, Anita (Schulte) VanDenBerg who survives. He is also survived by his two children, Lisa VanDenBerg and Chad (Mauri) VanDenBerg; four grandchildren, Parker, Grace and Chloe VanDenBerg and Olivia Black; three siblings, Steve, Barb and Sue; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Growing up I always admired my cousin Jerry’s kindness to those of us younger than him. He displayed courage serving in Viet Nam and I remember him asking his parents to share his letters home so we could know more of his experience first hand. While the extended family did not see each other often Jerry was always one of my favorites. Anita and family…Kathy and I are sorry for your loss.
We send our heartfelt condolences to all. We know his daughter Lisa. Sorry for your loss. May he Rest In Peace.
Jerry was one of the finest people I ever met. A good man through and through. It was Jerry who gave me these words to live by: “Every day’s a holiday, every meal a feast”. I had never heard that before but it stuck and helps me often. Jerry was kind, thoughtful and simply a great guy. They say you can’t pick your family or your neighbors, but you can pick your friends; and Jerry was a friend of mine. I will miss him dearly.
SemperFi my friend.
To Steve, Barb and Sue, Our deepest condolences to you and your extended family. Jerry’s kindness was a true reflection from your Dad and Mom. I remember running into Jerry many years ago at his City office and he took a few minutes to chat. We are so sorry for your loss. – Vicki Virgo Okuniewski and the Virgo family.
I worked with Jerry way back when at Wilkins and Wheatons. He was always full of energy and good humor. We had some great times. So sorry to learn of this. Great loss, especially to Anita. May he rest in peace.