Gary Michael Vandenberg, 70, of Benton Harbor, passed away on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, February 21, at 5 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., with Pastor Karen Weidler officiating. Friends may visit with the family one-hour prior at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Paws of Hope, P.O. Box 13, Stevensville, MI 49127. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Gary was born on August 6, 1951, in Detroit to John & Joyce (Beach) Vandenberg. He graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1969. For many years, Gary worked in the maintenance department for Jordan’s Nursing Home and Watervliet Hospital. On August 6, 2003, he married Barbara Wieczorek, in St. Joseph. Gary enjoyed watching MMA fights and cheering on the University of Michigan Wolverines. Gary preferred spending his time fishing and being outdoors during the warmer months, he was not a fan of being cold. However, what he loved the most was spending time with his children, grandchildren and faithful four-legged companion.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of nearly 19 years, Barbara; children, Kelly (Darin) Hays, Kristyn Binns, Heather Greulich, and Kenneth Hunter; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren on the way; siblings, Roland (Crisi) Vandenberg, Doug Vandenberg, Kathy (Harry) Testa, John Vandenberg, and Amy (David) Kleaver; sister-in-law, Linda Vandenberg; and faithful fur child, Samantha. He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Joyce; and brother, Bill Vandenberg.