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1916 - 2009
 Age: 92
VAN DYKE, Elmer J.
Paw Paw
Elmer passed away Thursday morning, June 4, 2009 at White Oak in Lawton. He was born December 5, 1916 in Zeeland, MI the son of the late John and Gertrude (Zonnebelt) Van Dyke. He was a graduate of Hope College with a BA degree, obtained his teaching certificate in business from Ferris College and received his MA degree from the University of Michigan. He taught in Mount Morris for one year and then was employed as a teacher, principal and superintendent for the Covert Public Schools until 1951. He became the Superintendent of the Van Buren Intermediate School District with his office in the Van Buren Court House basement. He was responsible for the creation and construction of the Intermediate School District Campus in Lawrence, MI and retired after 24 years in 1975. Elmer was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Paw Paw for 57 years, Michigan Education Association, Michigan Association of School Administrators, LakeView Hospital Board, Paw Paw Library Board, Kiwanis Club of Paw Paw, and the Saturday morning breakfast group. He was an avid Tiger fan, U of M supporter, enjoyed playing golf, talking on the phone, and keeping up with the activities and interests of his children and their children. On May 29, 1941 in Zeeland, MI, Elmer was united in marriage to Laura May Van Kley who preceded him in death on May 7, 1991. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Bauman in 1993; a great grandson, William D. Bauman IV; a brother, Gerald Van Dyke killed in action during World War II in 1945. Surviving are a daughter, son, 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Daughter, Joan (Warren) Grosvenor; granddaughter, Laurie (Brian) Southworth; great grandchildren, Ericka, Cole and Jakob; grandson, John (Pam) Grosvenor; great grandsons, Brandon and Jonathan all of Decatur; grandson, Gregory (Amy) Grosvenor; great granddaughters, Gwendolyn and Jillian of South Haven; son, John Craig (Jeannie) Van Dyke of Portage; granddaughter, Monica (Scott) Gartner; great granddaughter, Claire Gartner of Antioch, IL; grandson, Mark (Stephanie) Van Dyke; great grandson, Landon Van Dyke of Morris, IL; grandson, Craig Van Dyke of East Lansing, MI; son-in-law, William D. Bauman Jr.; grandson, William D. (Jill) Bauman III; great granddaughters, Mary and Katie Bauman; granddaughter, Cheryl (John) Bruey; great granddaughter, Alia Bruey all of Plainwell; sister, Esther Wickert of Kalamazoo; many nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends Saturday 6 to 8 p.m. and Sunday 3 to 5 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw. Funeral services will be held Monday, 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Paw Paw with Rev. Tom Abbott officiating. Interment will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Paw Paw. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Paw Paw.
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There are currently 6 condolences.
Valerie (Clair) Rucinski
Tuesday June 16, 2009 at
3:36 PM
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I was sorry to hear of your fathers passing. I remember him as an extremely nice man and always curious about everything. Always very kind.
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Patricia Denner and Michael Condron
Saturday June 6, 2009 at
11:58 AM
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Dear Craig and Jeannie, Joan and Warren and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Van. So much of our history is intertwined with growing up on Marcelletti St. with you and your wonderful parents having such a positive influence. It's hard to see another passing of the old guard, but what great innings your Dad had. Many blessings to you all to get you through this most difficult time.
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Cindy Pachner
Friday June 5, 2009 at
9:15 PM
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I was so sorry to hear about Elmer, I will miss him. He was such a sweet man, he was a very caring person who I,ll miss. I want to send my condolence,s to the family.
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Jan Wert
janwert@comcast.net
Friday June 5, 2009 at
9:02 PM
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Dearest Craig and Jeannie: We just buried my sister Sally today, so I know how difficult this is. Craig, I remember you dad from our high school days and what a true gentleman he was. You grew up in such a loving family and those values have always remained with you. It doesn't matter what age someone is when the pass, it is still a loss. God be with you.
Jan Wert
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Tricia Smith Dornan
tricia.dornan@gmail.com
Friday June 5, 2009 at
7:22 PM
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. What wonderful memories we have of a great guy. Everytime we think of Van, a smile comes to our face. We are lucky to have known him and his family.
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Lisa Danielson
Thursday June 4, 2009 at
4:46 PM
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Dear Craig, Jeannie and family. My thoughts and prayer are with you during these times.
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