July 1, 1937 – August 13, 2023

Clare Van Heuvelen, of Jenison, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at 86 years old. He is now rejoicing in Heaven! A funeral service was held on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, Grandville, Mich.,  with Pastor Susan LaClear officiating. A private burial will take place at a later date at the Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Clarence was the son of Gilbert and Edith Van Heuvelen. Clare grew up on the family farm in southwest Minnesota. As a young adult, Clare moved to Michigan. Soon after, he joined the Army and was stationed in Hawaii for his 3 years of service. Upon his return to Michigan, he met Dee, and together they raised 3 children. Clare was a truck driver at heart, working for several local trucking companies. After his retirement from Steelcase, he worked part time and volunteered at numerous organizations, including Love Your Neighbor (formerly Love INC), Dégagé Ministries, Rustic Market, Wyoming VA Clinic, and several others. Although Dee didn’t always appreciate it, Clare found enjoyment in collecting many different things, and in thrift store and yard sale shopping. His mug of coffee was always in hand and a chocolate chip cookie in the other. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. 

He is survived by his children, Cindee and Steve Hulst, Cari and Kevin Wiersema, Curt and Chris Van Heuvelen; The 7’s Club (grandchildren), Kati (David) Tobias, Dani Nowicki, Taylor (Ryan) Anderson, Codi Wiersema, Collin Wiersema, Jessica (Kevin) Faber, Lindsey Van Heuvelen; great-grandchildren, Addie, Carter, and Carson Tobias, and Trace Anderson; siblings, Marv and Loie Van Heuvelen, and Gene Van Heuvelen; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marcella Flier, Lloyd and Karen Van Duyn, Harold and Sue Van Duyn, Dort Sturgis, Paul Van Duyn; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Dee; and sister, Tressa Van Dam.