Richard ‘Dick’ VandeVusse
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Dick was born Dec. 8, 1953, in Holland, Mich., the son of Bernie and Scottie (Sikkel) VandeVusse. Dick was raised in Holland and graduated from West Ottawa High School in 1972. He graduated in 1997 from Michigan Technological University with two bachelor of science degrees in mechanical engineering and engineering administration.
Dick began his career as an application/sales engineer at Barclay, Ayres and Bertsch Co. in Grand Rapids. Dick managed the Bertsch Co. branches in Negaunee and Menominee, Mich., and in Appleton, Wis.
Dick began VanAire Corporation in his garage in Danforth and in 1995 relocated his business to the Industrial Park in Gladstone. He expanded the business with Ag Solutions, Michigan’s first biodiesel facility in 2006. In 2007 VanAire Houston, Texas, was established.
Dick has served on the following boards: City of Gladstone Economic Development Corporation, National Biodiesel Board, LSSU Industrial Advisory Board, Michigan Renewable Fuels Commission, member of the MTU Presidents Club, Marble Arms Advisory Board and M-TEC Advisory Board.
Dick was united in marriage to the former Bev Dalman on June 20, 1982, in Holland, Mich.
Together with their daughter Lisa, they made their home in Danforth. Dick was an active member of the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone where he served as a trustee for numerous years.
Dick was a licensed pilot and flew all over the country for business and pleasure. He enjoyed hunting and working in his garden. His newest delight was being a proud “Papa” to his granddaughter Leah.
Dick’s generous and giving spirit lives on. He became a tissue, bone and cornea donor.
In addition to his wife Bev, survivors include: daughter, Lisa (Jim) Flagler of Kalamazoo; granddaughter, Leah Elizabeth Flagler of Kalamazoo; brother, Bill VandeVusse of Grand Haven; sisters, Kathy (Jeff) Johnson of Grand Haven and Barbara (Andrew) Pauli of Havelock, N.C.; mother-in-law and father-in-law; Howard and Helen Dalman of Zeeland; brother-in-law, Craig (Nancy) Dalman of Holland; sister-in-law, Deb (Rick) Morley of Holland.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents.
Dick’s family will receive friends on Friday May 16, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Richard “Dick” VandeVusse will be conducted on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Jackie Roe officiating. Luncheon will follow services in the Smith Hall at Memorial United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dick’s memory may be directed to the Memorial United Methodist Church Building Fund. Envelopes will be available at the Memorial United Methodist Church or the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes. Please visit www.skradski-boycefuneralhomes.com to leave a message of condolence to the family or to leave a memory tribute in Dick VandeVusse’s memory.
Dick’s family will also receive friends on Friday, May 23, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the North Holland Reformed Church, 12050 New Holland St., Holland, Mich. Memorial services will follow at 11 a.m. at the North Holland Reformed Church with Rev. Jackie Roe officiating.
