Eleanor Van Dam

Eleanor Van Dam, 93, of Forest Grove, MI passed away Sunday, July 9, 2017. Eleanor was born in Coral, MI to Leo and Annie Bernice (McGinnis) Rowland on November 4, 1923. She graduated from high school and later married Harvey Van Dam. Eleanor and Harvey raised their children and lived in New Era while teaching there. The Van Dam family moved to Portage, MI when the children were in elementary school. While they lived in Portage, Eleanor received her teaching degree and taught elementary classes for several years. In 1977, Harvey and Eleanor retired and returned to Hudsonville. In retirement, they also wintered for over 20 years in the Bradenton, FL area. They again became members of Forest Grove Reformed Church. Harvey preceded her in death in 2010 and she was also preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Nancy Van Dam, in 2009, and son-in-law, Richard Tompkins, in 2015. She is survived by her children, Carole Tompkins of Silver Lake, Dave and Helen Van Dam of Kalamazoo, MI; grandsons, Chad Van Dam, Matt and Heidi Van Dam; great-grandson, Jack Van Dam; sister, Judy (Mike) Keefe; sister-in-law, Ethel Van Dam, and many extended family. A service to honor the faith and life of Eleanor Van Dam will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, July 14, 2017, at Forest Grove Reformed Church, with Pastor Doug Hoeve officiating. A private interment will take place in Forest Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 PM Thursday at the Yntema Funeral Home, 251 S. State Street, Zeeland, MI 49464. Memorial contributions may be made to Love INC of Hudsonville, or the Forest Grove Reformed Church Memorial Fund. www.yntemafh.com