Gordon Vonk

Gordon Lee Vonk of Grand Rapids, MI passed away on February 6, 2021 after suffering from dementia the last several years.   He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Lascko Vonk in 2016.  Surviving are his daughter Mary Ann (David) Mapes of East Grand Rapids; his son Michael (Christine) Vonk of Alexandria, VA; two grandsons, Gerrit and Eli Vonk; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert and Pamela Lascko; several nieces and nephews, as well as several great-grandchildren that loved spending time with him and baking him treats.  Gordon was a proud graduate of Michigan State University and his green & white loyalties never wavered.  While at MSU he enrolled in the ROTC program which began a lengthy relationship as a member of the army reserves.  He had many interests including the Grand Rapids Jazz Club, Corvette Club, Golden Kiwanis and anything related to MSU.  Gordon easily made friends and had many great friendships, including those with his pool-playing and Corvette Club cronies.  After retiring he spent hundreds of hours volunteering at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park where he loved driving the tram!  Through his volunteering at Meijer Gardens, Gordon grew to enjoy flowers as much as his wife and daughter.  His favorite saying became “Take time to stop and smell the flowers!”  The memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Thursday February 11, 2021 at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, with Rev. Fr. Leonard Sudlik as Celebrant.  The family will receive friends starting at 2pm until the time of service. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Gordon Vonk’s name.               

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