Howard J. VanDyke

Howard J. VanDyke 88  of Belding made it home to heaven on Friday afternoon August 9, 2019. Howard was born on December 25, 1930 in Grand Rapids, the son of Gerrit and Hattie ( Brower) VanDyke. As a young man Howard proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1951-1953.  Howard enjoyed  motorcycles and won the state championship for hill climbing in 1954. In earlier years he started first working for the railroad and later in life drove truck. Always a hard worker, it was not uncommon for him to work 2 or 3 jobs when raising his family. Howard liked to watch just two favorite teams; the Detroit Lions & Tigers. He never missed a televised game. He was blessed with 54 years of marriage to Joann ( Hoffman) VanDyke until her death in 2010. He was also preceded  by his parents, a son Howard Jr. in 2006 and his brothers and sisters. Howard is loved and survived by his children; Richard VanDyke of Rockford, Ray( Barb) VanDyke of Belding, Mark VanDyke of Grand Rapids, his two brother in laws who were  like his own sons; Paul ( Deb) Hoffman, Mike ( Carol) Hoffman all of Wyoming, a daughter in law; Judy Van Dyke of Grand Rapids, 9 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In keeping with his wishes, no funeral will take place. A memorial visitation will be 6:00 to 7:45 pm on Thursday August 15, 2019, followed by military honors all at the funeral home. Military honors will be given by the joint honor guard of the Belding American Legion & VFW. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial  donation to Ionia Area Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

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