John L. VanDam, age 77 of Newaygo, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at the War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. John was born on March 12, 1942 in Grand Rapids to John and Anne (Wagner) VanDam and graduated from Grandville High School. John later married Mary Goodrich on March 23, 1960 in Grand Rapids. John worked at Steelcase in Grand Rapids for 34 years until his retirement in 1998 and was currently a part time driver for Michigan Works. John and Mary moved to Newaygo in 1974 where John enjoyed living on Emerald Lake. He also enjoyed the Michigan outdoors – fishing and hunting in his younger years; was an avid Detroit Lions and Tiger Fan as well as a U of M fan; and enjoyed traveling with family. John especially treasured his time he spent with his family being a Grandpa and Great Grandpa. John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary; his children, Leigh Ann (Rich) Griswold; Tracy (Ken) Kiper; Jon VanDam; 12 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; his sisters, Linda Reynolds; Sue (Joe) Miklusicak; his brother, Alan VanDam; several nieces and nephews; special friends, John DeGier and Bill Lyon; many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Chuck Reynolds. CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICES : Saturday, June 22, 2019 from 2-5pm at the Newaygo VFW, Sportsman's Post 45 Gene Furgason Lane Newaygo MI 49337. Friends may consider memorial contributions to the Newaygo First Responders or charity of donor's choice in memory of John. Celebration Of Life Newaygo V.F.W. Sportsman's Post #4249 Saturday, June 22, 2019 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 45 Gene Furgason Lane Newaygo, MI 49337