Joseph VanBruggen

Joseph “Joe” VanBruggen of Galesburg, MI, passed away at his home surrounded by a loving family. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI, the son of the late Joseph and Marie “Mary” (Hof) VanBruggen. Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived. Joe was driven and accomplished anything he set out to do. He believed in helping others and was deeply involved in and around his community. His smile, laughter, firm handshake and knowledge will be missed by all who knew him. On July 24, 1948, he married the love of his life Joyce (Teachout) VanBruggen who preceded him in passing in 2021. They were faithfully committed to one another and to their children. Joe worked hard as the Comstock Township Supervisor for twenty-three years, and was a home builder, mechanic and auto shop instructor. He also served his community as a volunteer firefighter. Throughout his life Joe was a member of the Michigan Township Association, Kalamazoo Antique Auto Restorers Club, served as Rotary Club President, was treasurer of the Southcentral Michigan Planning Council, was a member of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners, served on the Parks and Recreation Board and was honored to fund the Comstock Schools annual Spring Art Competition. Joe brought wisdom, patience and a sense of service to all that he was involved in. For these good works, he was honored by the Galesburg Rotary, Comstock Fire Department, Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department and the Kalamazoo County Government. When not working or serving he had a passion for collecting and working on antique cars and firetrucks. He took time to enjoy the simple things, feeding the birds, deer and other wildlife. He was preceded in passing by a son, Joseph VanBruggen, III, and a granddaughter, April VanDerSlik. Joe was a man of service, putting others above himself and he will be remembered and missed. He leaves to cherish his memory a daughter, Jane (Art Kollin) VanDerSlik; two grandchildren, Allen “Lee” VanDerSlik and Shellee VanDerSlik; four great-grandchildren, Adrian, Aeryn, Avery and Quinn; sister, Mary Ann Adams; extended family and friends.