Douglas “Doug” James Vanderlaan

Douglas “Doug” James Vanderlaan, age 76, of Grand Haven, passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at home. He was born on January 8, 1947, in Grand Rapids, MI, to James and Marion (Madeley) Vanderlaan. Doug married Karen Kerr on July 8, 1973, in Crescent City, CA. In 1979, they became Grand Haven area residents.

Doug graduated from Grandville High School and was attending college when he entered the U.S. Air Force where he served for nine years as a radar electrical technician in California, North Dakota, and Germany. He then served another four years as a private contractor in Alaska. Later, Doug worked as an electric engineer for APV Baker and Parkway Electric Companies. Prior to his retirement, he was a bus driver for handicapped individuals in Ottawa County.

Since his early teen years, Doug’s true passion was Ham Radio, which continued all his life. He also had a passion for photography and woodworking, and he enjoyed being a SCA Renaissance participant who enjoyed making swords.

Doug will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Karen Vanderlaan; his mother, Marion Vanderlaan of Naples, FL; his two sisters, Terry (William) Deacon of Davisburg, MI and Laurel (Richard) Noonan of Naples, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Vanderlaan.

A Memorial Service for Doug will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Doug Bytwerk officiating. Full Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society of Michigan.

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