Daniel Vander Werf Jr.

Daniel Vander Werf, Jr. will be remembered as a kindhearted and unassuming man whose actions spoke volumes about his character. His warm smile and positive disposition quickly made everyone feel at ease. Dan always tried to share his happiness with the people he loved most, his family. He placed his family at the center of his life and treasured them as the greatest gifts in his life.

The world of 1912 was one of turbulent anticipation. Many citizens of the United States left their farms and headed for the cities to take part in something historians would call the Industrial Revolution. The skies had darkened over Europe as war loomed on the horizon. It was into this rapidly changing setting that Daniel and Dorothy (Renzema) Vander Werf of Grand Rapids, Michigan, welcomed the birth of their first child, Daniel Jr., on December 15, 1912. He was the oldest of six Vander Werf children.

Dan’s father earned a living working as a coal man while his mother stayed home and cared for the needs of the family. Tragically, she died when Dan was fifteen. Not only was Dan the oldest in the family, he was also the skinniest, which helped his father tremendously at work because Dan could squeeze through the coal bins. When he wasn’t helping his father, Dan attended the area schools where he played clarinet and was involved in the ROTC in high school. Dan graduated from Union High School in 1930, and went on to attend Gregg Shorthand College in Chicago, Illinois. In addition to his studies, he also worked for a tailor, which kept him looking refined and well dressed at all times.

In 1934, a wonderful thing happened to Dan – he met the love of his life, Theresa, at a church in Chicago. They fell hopelessly in love and were married that year. With the world in the midst of the Great Depression, times were tough and money was scarce, so the newlyweds could not afford a honeymoon. After the birth of their daughter, Barbara, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dan began his career as a Circuit Court Reporter in Hart, Michigan. In 1945, the family moved to Holland, Michigan, where Dan became the Circuit Court Reporter for both Ottawa and Allegan Counties. It was here they welcomed the birth of their second daughter, Patricia, who completed the Vander Werf family.

Dan took great pride in doing his job. He judged himself by his hard work ethic and dedication, which were demonstrated in his career as a Circuit Court Reporter and Questioned Document Examiner for 46 years. He also owned and operated Superior Legal Supply. Dan's impeccable attendance record reflected his dedication to his work. This record was repeated in the various organizations to which he belonged including the Holland Kiwanis Club, Holland Numismatics Club, and as a member of Trinity Reformed Church where he served on the greater consistory.

Dan was a very optimistic person and always looked for the good in every situation. He lent his ever-present smile and cheerful disposition to everyone around him and in doing so, brightened many lives. One of his trademark symbols, which he displayed on the front of his walker, was a big yellow smiley face. Dan tried to keep a good healthy lifestyle by staying active and watching what he ate. Dan was very proud of the Dale Carnegie course he took with friends, Jay Van Andel and Dick De Vos. To stay abreast of world events, he liked watching 60 Minutes and Dateline. Although Dan was known to be a procrastinator, he always got things done on time.

During their retirement years, Dan and Theresa enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends. Every Wednesday they would go out for breakfast and bowl with a group from the Holland Kiwanis Club. During the harsh Michigan winters, the couple traveled south to Florida looking for warmer weather. And during the summers, Dan liked to grill chicken which was absolutely delicious because of his secret ingredient, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. When not eating at home, Russ’ was the restaurant of choice.

Although Dan’s life was happy, it was later marked by sorrow. Dan lost his beloved wife Theresa in 1994, and in her memory, he donated the mailboxes used by the members of Trinity Reformed Church. Though saddened by her passing, Dan did not give up on life. He continued to live independently, never wanting to impose or be a burden to anyone.

Above all else, Dan enjoyed being surrounded by his two daughters, Barbara and Patricia; his two grandchildren, Heather and Shawn; and his four great grandchildren, Zachary, Emma, Eli and Zoey. They were the people he shared his life with and the people that he loved. He cherished his family dearly and considered each of their births a great blessing in his life.

A dedicated Christian, Dan’s faith, hard work, and love of family provided him with a full and happy life. His family will always remember his commitment to God, his kind presence, sense of humor, tender heart and his warm, gentle smile. He will be deeply missed.

Daniel Vander Werf, Jr., age 92, of Holland, MI, died on Friday, April 8, 2005, in Zeeland Community Hospital. He was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa Vander Werf. Surviving are his daughters, Barbara and George Jacob of Holland, and Patricia Johannsen of Germantown, MD; two grandchildren, Heather and Todd Schaap and Shawn Jacob; four great grandchildren, Zachary, Emma, Eli and Zoey; brother, Harold and Arlene Vander Werf of Grand Rapids; brother-in-law, Henry and Ruth Adema of IL; and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12, at Trinity Reformed Church, 712 Apple Avenue, with the Rev. Lynn Post and Arlyne Vander Woude officiating. Burial will be in the Graafschap Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7-9 p.m. on Monday, April 11, at Trinity Reformed Church. Please visit Dan’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to either Hospice of Holland or Trinity Reformed Church Memorial Fund.