Mr. Gerald E. Vander West, age 78 of Grant, died Thursday, October 22, 2009 at his home in Grant Township.   He was born Gerald Eugene Vander West in Wyoming, Michigan the son of Wilhelmina (Van Galen) and Clarence Vander West on February 6, 1931. He married Joyce Irene Wallinga on September 25, 1951 in Allendale and she preceded him in death on November 8, 1998. He then married Darlene Kay Willbrandt on December 4, 1999 in Ravenna. He was a self-employed Diary Farmer for 40 years until 1987. He was a member of Pine Grove Community Church.  

He is survived by his wife Darlene Vander West, his children Gary & Jeryl Vander West of Pelkic, Karen & Dale Hooker of Byron Center, Linda Nelson of Ravenna, Steven & Maryjo Vander West of Newaygo, his step‑children Tammy Van Doorne, Jeffrey Willbrandt, Teresa & Mark Vander Sloot, 8 grandchildren, 11 great‑grandchildren, his brother Roger & Winona Vander West of Grand Rapids, his sister Betty & John Campau of Zeeland. He was preceded in death by wife Joyce, son Mark, son‑in‑law Duane Nelson. 

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM from the Pine Grove Community Church, Howard City on Saturday, October 24, 2009 with Pastor Steve Vander West officiating. Military honors are under the auspices of the VFW Post #4249 of Newaygo.  Interment will be in the Allendale Township Cemetery.   Visitation will be held 6‑8 PM Friday and one hour prior to services at Pine Grove Community Church. For Memorials please consider the World Home Bible League and/or Grace Hispanic Baptist Church of Grant.  Please sign the on line guest book at www.mckinleyfuneral.com.

McKinley Funeral Home, Grant, 231‑834‑5613. http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com

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