Dr. Theodore "Ted" Stephen Vanderveen

Dr. Theodore “Ted” Stephen Vanderveen, age 83, of Holland, MI (formerly, Grand Haven), passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, September 5, 2024. He was born on June 22, 1941, in Grand Rapids, MI, to Theodore Simon and Florence Theresa (Hoekstra) Vanderveen.

Ted graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School and then Calvin College, where he met the love of his life, Joan Annette Dirkse. Upon graduating, Ted and Joan married in her hometown of Oostburg, Wisconsin on August 8, 1964.

After receiving his medical degree from Wayne State University, Ted and Joan moved to Maryland to begin his residency at Johns Hopkins University and complete his military service as a Major at Andrews Air Force base. In these lean and formative years, Ted and Joan not only began lifelong friendships that would sustain them through Ted’s final days, but also started a family.

Ted and Joan moved to Grand Haven in 1975, and he opened the first otolaryngology office in Grand Haven. He also performed head and neck surgery and was an attending physician in the Emergency Room at North Ottawa Community Hospital. As his private practice thrived, he took on partners and opened offices, serving communities in Holland and Zeeland. His first attempt at retirement didn’t take and he filled his time providing free care at Exalta Health clinic in Grand Rapids. Everywhere Ted practiced, he was beloved by patients and staff for his diligent bedside manner, dry sense of humor, and dedication to medical excellence. He likewise appreciated all who were a part of his healthcare team in the offices and hospitals.

Throughout their time in Michigan, Maryland, and Michigan again, Ted and Joan celebrated the new lives of six children: Timothy Stephen, David Eric (Sarah Koops), Sara Elizabeth (Karl) Tucker, Jane Elise (Joe) VanderMeer, Joel Peter (Katie Donaldson), and Elizabeth Ann (Nathan) Heinrich. Always a team, he and Joan shared their appetite for travel and adventure with their family. When they weren’t boating on Spring Lake or Lake Michigan, the Vanderveen’s spent vacations traversing the US, snorkeling off Singer Island, Florida, and skiing in Colorado. On one especially boisterous trip, Ted and Joan managed to fit all six children in one small boat and avoid mutiny while exploring the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas.

Ted especially loved water and sailing. At Spring Lake Yacht club, he consistently held fast bringing up the back side of the MC fleet sharing honors with his buddy, Al. For years, Ted and Joan enjoyed precious memories voyaging in the Caribbean with his aunt, uncle, and cousins on their yacht, Enterprise. On land, Ted and Joan also formed strong friendships on numerous bicycle trips through Europe and at his 6 a.m. YMCA exercise class.

Most importantly, Ted loved the Lord and knew him as his Savior. Faith was a wellspring of joy for Ted, driving his desire to serve his community. He enjoyed singing God’s praise in choir at Christ Memorial Church where he also served with Joan as part of the Pastoral Care Team. Ted valued being on the church board there as well as many governing boards at North Ottawa Community Hospital, Grand Haven Christian School, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, and North Ottawa Hospice, which he helped establish with Nancy Edelmayer and Jim VanDyke.

Known affectionately as “Bumpa,” Ted was adored by his twelve grandchildren: Schuyler and Willem Vanderveen; Noah, Wyatt, and Preston Tucker; Jonah and TJ VanderMeer; Ava, Leah, and Emmett Vanderveen; and Mason and Lila Heinrich.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Joan; and five of his children; his sister, Mary (Bill) Romence and her family; his brother-in-law, Herb (Marge) Dirkse and his family; his brother-in-law, Don Hinz and his family; sisters-in-law, Joyce Dirkse and her family, and Diana Dirkse.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents; and Joan’s parents, Burton and Adrianna (Buyze) Dirkse; his son, Timothy Vanderveen; his grandson, Chase Tucker; brother, Dan Vanderveen; sister-in-law, Marianne Hinz; and his brothers-in-law, Bob and Mark Dirkse.

Ted’s family would like to thank everyone who helped honor Ted and navigate these last five years with Parkinson’s Disease: Dr. Norm and Carolyn Boeve, as well as Dr. Mike and Mary Magan for their medical advice and spiritual support; Rachel Nykerk RN, Bruce Harkema (his “partner in crime”), Julie Disselkoen, and Nancy Bylsma RN for helping to care for Ted at home; Teresa Colbry RN for help with palliative care; The Emmanuel Hospice team for caring for him as their own; the amazing Quincy Place Memory Care team for all their attention and respect to “Doc,” as well as all the other residents and families for who made it a welcoming place. We are so thankful for the many longtime friends and families who have supported and cared for Ted and our family.

The Funeral Service for Ted will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Christ Memorial Church in Holland, with Rev. Tim Brown officiating. Visitations will be held Friday, September 13th, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, as well as one hour prior to the service on Saturday, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., at the church. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions in Memory of Theodore Vanderveen may be made to any the following: Christ Memorial Church (Holland), Exalta Health Clinic (Grand Rapids), Grand Haven Christian School, Tri-Cities Y.M.C.A., or Emmanuel Hospice.

** For those unable to attend the Funeral Service, it will be live streamed by the church, beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Please click to view: https://youtube.com/live/E-pIn7vZ-Bc?feature=share

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