Theodore Vanvels

Theodore “Ted” VanVels, October 19, 1939 - November 22, 2024, Sparta, Michigan. Ted VanVels passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones, after a sudden battle with an aggressive cancer. He is survived by his wife, Nancy VanVels; daughters, Lynn (Matt) Raczkowski, Pam (Paul) Larson, Sandy (Michael Polydoris) Culver, Jim Swanson (husband of daughter Barb, deceased); brother, Alex (Vera) VanVels; grandchildren, (in order of age) Michelle, Jeremy, Karen, Eric, Katelyn, Sydney, Rashell, Ted, Henry, Jason, AJ, Adam, Marina, Maria, and many great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Everyone loved Ted. He was often described as “the sweetest and kindest man I’ve ever known.” He made strangers feel like friends. He had a particular love for children and went out of his way to make them feel special. A relentless jokester, Ted’s quick witted one-liners will be repeated for years to come. Fittingly, he went to meet his maker adorned with a Chiquita banana sticker on his forehead as Nancy “got him” for the last time. Ted loved being on the road, whether by car, truck, camper, or his motorcycle, on which he and Nancy had many epic journeys together. He was a genius at fixing things and building his own parts. Ted was not one to throw anything out, creatively repurposing everything he saved. Earlier in life he loved softball, bowling, and camping. In later years he enjoyed learning about freighters on the Straits of Mackinac, sailing and kayaking. His love of being outdoors included many hours spent on his tractor mowing. Ted also had a sweet tooth (or two), especially for peanut butter cups and ice cream. Old country songs were his favorites. Despite his gentle nature, Theodocious the Ferocious lived up to his nickname on the tennis and pickleball courts. Ted and Nancy were dedicated volunteers with Friends of the White Pine Trail and active members of Fountain Street Church. Ted was preceded in death by his parents Thys and Anna VanVels, siblings Louis (Betty) VanVels, Arthur (Barb) VanVels, and Sarah Sikkema. A private family gathering will be held in lieu of a service. He had so much love around him, and he returned every bit of it. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Ted'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. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Theodore Vanvels, please visit our flower store.