Peter R. Vander Veen

Peter Robert Vander Veen. 85, of Jefferson City, MO, passed away peacefully in his home, Thursday, July 29, 2021.  He was born in Grand Rapids, MI on January 3, 1936, the son of Harvey and Edna (Salisbury) Vander Veen. Peter was united in marriage on June 30, 1975, in Grand Rapids to Barbara Helder, who preceded him in death on September 23, 2015.  He graduated from Ottawa Hills High School and attended Western Michigan University.

He owned his own road construction company, was a sales rep for Texaco and an inspector for MSHDA, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, for over 20 years until his retirement.  He also served on the Board of Directors for many years for Dwelling Place, which provides affordable housing to Western Michigan communities.

He was a member of the Western Michigan Mustang Club where he and Barbara regularly went to car shows in their restored, vintage 1966 black Mustang convertible and won many awards.  They valued the friendships they made with other members of the club over the years.  Other hobbies included their flower garden and extensive John Deere collection, of which both were profiled in their local newspaper.  He and Barbara enjoyed watching NASCAR and had their favorite drivers they rooted for.  He loved spending time with friends and family, including his 4-legged ones, which admittedly, were just a little spoiled.

Peter attended Kentwood Christian Church in Grand Rapids and after his move to Jefferson City in 2019, Capital City Christian Church.

Survivors include his three sons, Steven Vander Veen (Mary), Jefferson City, MO., Mark Vander Veen (Annette), Lowell, IN., Peter Vander Veen, Port St. Lucie, FL., stepdaughter, Jan Benham (Jerry), Grand Rapids, MI., 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and his beloved cocker spaniel, Sadie.

In addition to his wife, Peter was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Harvey and his sister, Virginia.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service from 10am to 11am at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids.  Condolences may be left for the family at metcalfandjonkhoff.com.

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