Don Vander Leek passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning in his home with his family by his side. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Rosalie, son and daughter-in-law Mike and Linda Vander Leek, grandsons Alex and Cody Vander Leek, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son Mark Allen Vander Leek, who died unexpectedly in 2021; his parents Peter and Gertrude Vander Leek, and siblings Paul and Joyce Vander Leek and Chuck and Ruth Mersman.
Don was a kind and gentle soul. He was a builder and designer by trade, as was his father. He was a mentor to his sons in both work and life and loved to look over plans or view job sites with them well into retirement.
As a young man, Don was in the National Guard for 13 years, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant and Jungle Expert. He was called to serve in the Detroit riots.
Don passed on his passion of hunting and trapping to Mark. He enjoyed boating and built a wooden sailboat that is displayed in a museum, a hunting boat for Mark, and a small speedboat for Mike. In retirement, Don and Rose traveled all over the country in their Road Trek, driving over 180,000 miles. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life service will take place from 2:00-3:00 PM on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Lakeshore Memorial Services – 11939 James St. Holland, MI 49424. A time of visitation and fellowship with refreshments will follow. The family invites you to join them for one or both events.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Christian Neighbors – PO Box 43 Douglas, MI 49406-0043.
