Richard Vander Veen

Died Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Rich was born May 16, 1935 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a son of the late William and Grace (Hamminga) Vander Veen. He was a 1955 graduate of Portage Central High School and was a mason his entire life. Rich was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed woodworking and was an avid Detroit Tigers and Lions fan. On December 2, 1983, Rich was united in marriage to Betty L. (Weenick) Ratliff, who preceded him in death on July 7, 2015. Also preceding him in death were three brothers: Marvin, Hank and Dale Vander Veen; and step-son: Dan Ratliff. Surviving are four children: Terri Cartwright and Rick (Sonja) Vander Veen, Doug (Rhonda) Vander Veen and Michelle (David) Skinner; three step-children: Ed (B.J.) Ratliff, Lori Ratliff-Lopez and Steve (Jai) Ratliff of Redfield, AR; former spouse: Barbara Hunt; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Memorial service details will be available at a later date. Inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery. Please visit Rich's personalized webpage for directions or to leave a condolence to his family at www.langelands.com.