James Vanthof

Mr. James E. VantHof, age 70, of Spencer Township, Gowen, passed away Wednesday evening, Aug. 16, 2006 at Spectrum Health-Butterworth Campus, Grand Rapids, after a brief illness. The son of Crine & Julia (Hendrickson) VantHof, he was born on Sept. 21, 1935 in Grand Rapids and grew up near Lincoln Lake. On Aug. 24, 1968, at the Little Chapel of the Pines at Lincoln Lake, he married Carol J. Rentsman. He retired from Bosch (formerly Diesel Technologies) in Kentwood in 2001. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, swimming and boating, and feeding his birds, but found his greatest pleasure in spending time with his family... especially his grandchildren and great grandkids. He also was a NASCAR fan. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Timothy VantHof in 1973; two sisters, Patricia Kent and Donna MacDonald. Surviving are his wife of almost 38 years, Carol VantHof of Gowen; his children, Tracy Linder of Gowen, Rick VantHof of Maryland, Robin & Doc Wasson of Ohio, and Tammy VantHof of Greenville; four grandchildren, Jennifer Linder, Harold John & Tamara Seaman, Timothy Seaman and friend Amanda, and Katrina VantHof; three great grandchildren, Hayden Linder, Lindsey Jo Lehman, and Logan Seaman; sisters and brothers, Helen & Don Stressman of Gowen, Jacqueline Ripley of Grand Rapids, Dave & Judy Vereeke of Gowen, Bill & Vicki LeBaron of DeWitt, Nancy & Robert Allen of Gowen, and Gary & Cindy LeBaron of Gowen; three brothers-in-law, Duane Rentsman of Blue Lake, Keith Rentsman of Sidney, and Merrill & AnnaMae Rentsman of Gowen; and many, many nieces and nephews. Visitation is on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2006 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the Brown-Teman & Christiansen Funeral Home, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville. A family prayer service will conclude the visitation, with cremation following at Myrtle Park Crematorium. www.christiansen-fh.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Vanthof, please visit our flower store.