Nov. 4, 1924 — Nov. 29, 2014

Gerald F. Vandenburg, 90, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, at Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac, Michigan.

Gerald was born to the late Fred and Bessie (Dunifin) Vandenburg in Pokagon Township on Nov. 4, 1924.

After graduating from high school, Gerald enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country proudly, during WWII, aboard the USS Vireo until his honorable discharge in 1946.

After coming back home from the military, Gerald laid his eyes on Joan Fedore and knew she was the one. At a ceremony on July 2, 1950, in Niles, Michigan Gerald wed the love of his life and this last July they celebrated 64 years of marriage.

Gerald co-owned and operated the Dowagiac Pastry Shop for many years. Throughout the years, Gerald enjoyed hunting, the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions football. Gerald found his greatest treasure and happiness in spending time with his family.

Preceding Gerald are his parents, his five brothers; Vernon, Forrest, Dwight, Leonard, and Freddie Vandenburg and his six sisters; Viola Scholsser, Marion Prestine, Carrie Reske, Ruth Bowers, Elenore Hull, Grace Fedore.

He is survived by his wife Joan of Niles, his son Randy (Patricia) Vandenburg of Goshen, Indiana, daughter Renee Ward of Bangor, Michigan; four grandchildren, Angela (Eric) Miller of Wakarusa, Indiana, Jason Ward of Bangor, Toby Ward of Kalamazoo and Sara Ward of Kalamazoo and his six great-grandchildren, Owen and Emily Miller, Abrahm, Haiden, Addyson, and Shawn Ward as well as many nieces and nephews.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Gerald’s honor may do so to Hospice at Home 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joe, MI 49085 or the activity department at The Timbers of Cass County at 55432 Colby St, Dowagiac, MI 49047.

Services for Gerald will be Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. with a visitation one hour prior at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel. Military honors will be performed by the U.S. Navy.

Condolences, photos, and memories can be left for Gerald’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHome.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.