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Rev. Arlo D. Vandlen Click for Condolences      Printable Version 1920 - 2009 Rev. Arlo Don Vandlen, 88, died of a stroke on Sun June 7, 2009. He was born August 25, 1920, in Hastings, MI, son of Harford and Carrie Bell (Roberts) Vandlen. Arlo was a graduate of Taylor University in Indiana and Garrett Theological Methodist Jurisdictional School. For over 60 years he served churches of the United Methodist Church in Redkey, Indiana, and the Jackson, Vermontville, Leslie, Dimondale, Weidman, and Ionia United Methodist Churches in West Michigan; as well as the United Church of Christ at Congregational churches in Lakeview, Dowagiac, Comstock Park, MI and the First Congregational Church of Port St. Lucie, Florida, where he was their founding minister. He was also a Michigan teacher for 20 years, serving Delta Center; Sheridan Road School of Lansing; Weidman; and Lakeview. He was preceded in death in 1978, after 35 years of marriage, by his first wife Doris June (Mattoon) Vandlen; three brothers, Verden, Wayne Carroll, and Merwin Vandlen, and one sister, Audrey (Vandlen) Brace. Surviving are his present wife of 30 years, Gerry, and his three children: Doug (Anne) Vandlen; Larry (Jayne) Vandlen, and Carolyn (Ted) Peterson; seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren; as well as 3 step-daughters, Sue (Jeff) Main, Linda (John) Drobish; and Karen Sipp; 6 step-grandchildren and 5 step-great-grandchildren; as well as one sister, Alice (Howard) Fryover; sisters-in-law Wanda and Francis Vandlen, and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held on 11 AM Wed., June 10, at the Comstock Park Congregational Church, 62 Lamoreaux Blvd. with Rev. Dr. Dick Woodward officiating. A luncheon will be served following the service. Another Memorial Service will held on Thursday, June 11,at 2 p.m. at the Clark Retirement Community, 1551 Franklin St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, with Rev. Leon Andrews officiating. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Memorial Fund of Comstock Park Congregational Church, PO Box 343, Comstock Park, MI 49321; or Clark Retirement Community Foundation Benevolent Care. Inurnment will be at Memorial Garden at Lake Louise Methodist Church Camp, Boyne Falls, MI at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Hurst Funeral Home of Greenville, MI.

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There are currently 9 condolences.

Karen Kehl Wednesday June 10, 2009 at 10:32 AM

Gerry and Families, You have my deepest sympathy. Arlo was a wonderful man. It was good to see you two at Jean Johnson's service. Sincerely, Karen Kehl

Ron Petersen Wednesday June 10, 2009 at 10:15 AM

Larry & family, Please accept my deepest sympathy at the loss of your father. I remember him well from his days teaching Economics at LHS. In fact I still draw on some of his observations when trying to make sense of today's economy. He certainly touched many lives as a pastor & educator, he will be missed. Ron

Wendy and Brent Braford Tuesday June 9, 2009 at 9:50 AM

Dear Doug,Anne and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Brent and Wendy

Jason & LeeLa Courtright Tuesday June 9, 2009 at 9:37 AM

To Larry and the entire family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Jason & LeeLa Courtright

Michael Johnson Monday June 8, 2009 at 10:04 PM

Dear Larry and family, Sorry to hear of your father's passing. He brought an educator's voice to religion in Lakeview. What a powerful influence churches had on that community at that time. I know that you are proud of his contribution to every community that he served. I was at the memorial service on Friday Evening at Annual Conference. I would hope that he might be remembered next year. Mike

Jerry Jones Monday June 8, 2009 at 3:17 PM

Gerry, I well remember Arlo's encouragement when I was a beginning minister. He was a delight as well as a quiet mentor. Knowing his abounding faith will sustain him is a comfort to all of us who cared for him. I wish you peace, helaing, and the blessing of lasting memories. Jerry Jones

Julie Northouse Monday June 8, 2009 at 2:34 PM

Arlo will live in my heart; he helped me and our little church to realize how much love can do. I am keeping Gerry in my thoughts and prayers. Our family loves you both.

Leslie Anne (Basney) Wood Monday June 8, 2009 at 1:27 PM

Larry, I am sorry to hear of your father's passing. Even though we weren't members of his church, he performed our wedding ceremony 37 years ago at the Congregational Church in Lakeview, the same church where my parents were married. I remember him as a very kind man. My sympathy goes to you and your family.

Genny Towne Monday June 8, 2009 at 11:15 AM

Rev Vandlen was my speech teacher at Lakeview and also the person responsible for 37 years of me being a church organist. Also, he was that pastor of my first marriage. I will never forget him or his family. Thank you to his family for letting him be a part of so many lives. God Bless, Genny Towne

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