Duane Vedders

Duane F. Vedders, age 74, of Kalamazoo, MI went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. He was born in Pease, MN, on April 15, 1943, the son of the late Albert and Janet (Ruis) Vedders. Duane grew up on a small farm in Minnesota, enlisted in the Navy, then married and had a family. Duane had a passion for people and for Christ. He loved sharing the Gospel with family, friends, and anyone he met. Duane had a great personality with a kind and generous spirit. He was the former Pastor at Immanuel Fellowship Church in Kalamazoo, Reformed Heritage Community Church in Holland, MI, worked at the Holland Rescue Mission where he also pastored and did missionary work in Eritrea and Kenya in Africa. Duane truly lived a life for the Lord and his shared faith will be missed. When not working, he enjoyed being outdoors, kayaking, woodworking and woodcarving. Duane was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was devoted to his family and friends and was especially proud of his grandchildren. On October 25, 1968 he married Jackquelyn "Jackie" Vedders who survives. He is also survived by seven children, Melissa (Tim) Bil, Stephanie (Tim) Murphy, Kevin (Wendy) Vedders, Brian (Kris) Vedders, Pam Vedders, Amanda Vedders, Tim (Julia) Vedders; nineteen grandchildren; two siblings, Karen (Marv) De Soto, Joy (Chuck) Griffin; nieces, nephews and many friends. Duane was also preceded in passing by a twin sister, Diane Vedders. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, October 13, 2017, beginning at 2:00PM, at Immanuel Fellowship Church, 6015 West H. Ave., Kalamazoo, MI, 49009, with Pastor Jonathan Cruse officiating. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. Duane will be laid to rest privately at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Church Planting Ministry in Kazakhstan, c/o the funeral home. Joldersma & Klein Funeral Home