Cpl. Joseph VanDreumel

A man of true honor, integrity, and dedication, the life of Cpl. Joseph VanDreumel provides us all with so much to aspire for. He was a man who deeply loved his family, his country, and his many friends. Joe was so vibrant and full of life and as those who knew him can attest, he was never afraid of a challenge. A more devoted father would be hard to find as it was easy to see that his two children put the joy in his heart and the harmony in his life’s song. Joe loved things like fishing, playing the drums, and preparing a great barbeque, but there was nothing more near and dear to his heart than the time he spent with his loved ones. The memories Joe leaves behind will remain a lasting treasure for those too numerous to count.

It seems only fitting that Joe’s story begins during a time in our nation’s history that was as colorful as he was. This was the decade that brought us bellbottom pants, mood rings, and lava lamps while young families set out across the country in their station wagons. It was during this spirited time that there was great anticipation for one young family, who was anxiously awaiting the birth of their bundle of joy. Their wait was over on September 21, 1978, when Joseph made his arrival in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was welcomed into the arms of his loving parents, Dennis and Karen (Phillips) VanDreumel. He was the middle of three children in his family including his older brother, Adam, and his younger sister, Amanda. His father was serving in the United States Navy when he was born and with the military as his father’s chosen career, his family moved all over during Joe’s youngest years. The VanDreumels were a close-knit group who remained as such throughout Joe’s life.

It has been said that Joe was a bit mischievous as a young boy such as the time he decided to sneak out of the house as his parents left for work. Although he was supposed to be grounded, Joe decided that going fishing with his friends was a much better idea than staying at home so he jumped on his bike and rode to the gravel pits in Jenison. Joe’s fun came to a screeching halt when he accidentally hooked himself in the ear, requiring medical attention. Of course he needed his parents‘ permission to be medically treated and although he tried convincing the doctor that he didn’t have parents and was an adult anyway, the doctor didn’t buy it. Reluctantly, Joe surrendered his father’s work number. His father came to grant his permission in person and it goes without saying that Joe never tried that again.

When he was in sixth grade, Joe’s antics prompted his parents to send him to live with his grandmother and two nuns who also happened to be his aunts. Aunt Judy and Aunt Mary were the typical “old school” nuns who had no trouble getting Joe in line after only one school year. With Aunt Judy as his principal and Aunt Mary for a teacher, Joe wasn’t able to get away with much.

Joe attended local schools wherever he was living at the time. His elementary years found him at La Presa Elementary in Spring Valley, California, Bellevue Elementary in Bellevue, Nebraska, and Maplewood Elementary in Jenison, Michigan. Joe went on to Jenison Middle School and Jenison High School where he was so proud to play the drums in the marching band. He graduated in 1997 as the only student to have perfect attendance. Joe then took some classes at Grand Rapids Community College for a time.

Through the years Joe worked in a variety of industries. His first experience in the workplace found him in the food industry, first at Steak ‘n Shake and then at Kahunaville where he worked as a cook. From there Joe went to work at Cascade Engineering and then to Display Pack before settling in at Herman Miller in Spring Lake. With a desire to provide a good life for his family, Joe joined the Army in January of 2010. He was sent to Fort Knox, Kentucky for boot camp and then soon stationed in GrafenWoehr, Germany. He was most recently deployed to Paktika, Afghanistan.

Although Joe was always dedicated to his work no matter what he was doing, it was his family that held the most prominent place in his heart. He met the young woman with whom he would build a life while playing pool at a favorite hangout - Big Melons. Her name was Sarah Greiner and they quickly fell in love. They were married at Grand Rapids City Hall and spent the ten years that followed as husband and wife. Together Joe and Sarah were blessed with two children, Angel on February 8, 2001, and Skyler on April 4, 2003. As a family of four, they felt truly complete, and they all shared a deep love for one another. Together they were so excited when they purchased their first house, located in Standale.

With his time off, Joe made some time for the things he enjoyed. He loved fishing, especially salmon fishing off the pier in Grand Haven, and his most treasured possession would have to be his boat. Joe also liked getting away for fishing trips to Ludington as often as he could. It was even better when Joe could share his love for fishing with his family such as the time they took a vacation with Sarah’s family to Rice Lake in Canada. They also took family trips to visit Joe’s parents in North Carolina. Additionally, Joe enjoyed hunting and rooting on the Lions, the Tigers, and the University of Michigan. He was mechanically inclined and liked playing video games when he needed to relax.

When reflecting on the life of Cpl. Joseph VanDreumel we remember his strength, his zest for life, and his deep love for his family above all else. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for someone else. While serving his country, he was killed on August 14, 2011 in southeast Afghanistan by a roadside bomb during a vehicle recovery mission.

Joe’s family includes his wife, Sarah; children, Angel and Skyler; parents, Dennis & Karen (Phillips) VanDreumel; brother, Adam (Holly) VanDreumel; sister, Amanda (James) Chenoweth; father-in-law, Allen Greiner; mother-in-law, Deborah Greiner(Wilson); sister-in-law, Crystal (Alan) Conklin; brothers-in-law, Tim and AJ Greiner; nephews, Joshua, Elliott, Alan, and Max; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his extended military family at Grafenwoehr Army Base in Germany. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Monday, August 29 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Friends may visit with his family from 6-9 p.m. on Sunday, August 28 at the church. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the CPL Joseph A VanDreumel Memorial Trust c/o Fifth Third Bank, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr., NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook prior to arriving at the church