Gertrude VanderWeele

Gertrude passed away early Tuesday morning, April 29, 2008 at Borgess Medical Center. She was born September 2, 1923 in Krabbendijke, The Netherlands, one of four children and the only daughter to Joseph and Jacominaa (Dees) Beeke. Gertrude was employed as a school bus driver by Portage Public Schools for 16, years until her retirement in 1990. On August 23, 1942, she was united in marriage to Donald VanderWeele, who survives. Also surviving are four sons, Dennis (Christine) VanderWeele of Caldwell, NJ, Donald (Darlene) VanderWeele of Bear Lake, Larry (Patricia) VanderWeele of Kalamazoo and Mark (Kim) VanderWeele of Kalamazoo; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother, Peter (Dorothy) Beeke of Kalamazoo; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents and two brothers, John and Chris Beeke. Memorial services for Mrs. VanderWeele will be at 2 PM on Friday at the Langeland Family Funeral Home, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th Street, with Rev. Greg Wood, officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 1 PM until the time of services on Friday at the funeral home. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association. 269-343-1508.