Robert J. VanderLaan

Robert James VanderLaan, age 85, of Grand Rapids, formerly of Wyoming, MI, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025. He was born on October 16, 1939, to Jay and Grace (Hill) VanderLaan, in Sparta, MI. 

Robert graduated from Kelloggsville High School and worked in manufacturing most of his adult life, eventually retiring from Steelcase. He married Audrey Jean (Caskey) VanderLaan, and they were together for nearly 63 years. 

He enjoyed fishing, having taken weeklong excursions into Canada and fishing on Lake Michigan. He also enjoyed hunting and time in the woods at his cabin in Irons, MI. 

He is survived by his wife, Audrey J. VanderLaan; their children, Myron (Kim) VanderLaan, Donna (Dwayne) Cass, and Brian VanderLaan; grandchildren, Derek (Jennifer) Cass, Dianna (Caleb) Gordon, and Katie VanderLaan; six great-grandchildren, Addisyn, Mason, Kensingtyn, Emmersyn, Emmitt, and Ellianna; and sister, MaryAnn Babcock.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the  Shriners Children's Hospital. 

Visitation with the family is from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, 3627 Linden Avenue S.E. at 36th Street (one block west of Eastern Avenue), where memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday. 

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Robert’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.