Janet VanDeusen

Our beloved, Janet VanDeusen, passed away surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 28. Born in Detroit, Jan spent her young life into adulthood there while pursuing her education and beginning a fantastic career as an educator at multiple levels. Jan received her Master’s Degree in Education and became a formidable force in Grand Rapids. Her career with Grand Rapids Public Schools was extensive as she worked in multiple schools and programs, including building a highly successful alternative education program for high school students called Excalibur. She also worked with adults pursuing their GED and further educational programs at the Kent County Jail. She even received an ‘Educator of the Year’ Award for the state of Michigan and earned a trip to the White House. Jan married her best friend, Harold VanDeusen, before moving to Grand Rapids where together, they built a beautiful life and family with 4 children and 10 grandchildren. Later in life, moving to Muskegon and creating wonderful new memories and experiences with the family, grandkids and friends was a dream come true for them both.

Jan was preceded in death by her husband Harold, both parents Robert and Anne and her brother Doug.  Jan is survived by her four children: Leslie, Greg (Karen), Shelly (MIchael) and Steve (Mendy). Survived by her grandchildren whom she loved dearly: Justin, Kelcie, Jaydon, Cody, Michael, Claire, Halle, Trevor, Kaylee and Dallas.  In addition, she is survived by her brother Jim (Marilyn) Cleary and sister-in-law Ellen Cleary.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 7 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in downtown Grand Rapids at 11:00am.  Visitation will be held for one hour before the service as well as a light reception following.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church: https://www.stmarksgr.org/donate  Jan lived an amazing life with a powerful impact on many people who were blessed enough to have her touch their lives. Loved deeply, she will be missed more than words can ever illustrate.

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