Frans VanderBerg

VanderBerg, Frans 4/30/1938 - 6/26/2021 Kalamazoo, Michigan Age 83, passed away on Saturday morning, June 26, 2021 following a lengthy illness. Frans was the eldest of eight siblings, born to Jan and Martje (Boerema) VanderBerg in Groningen, Netherlands on April 30, 1938. In 1956, Frans graduated from Electronics Technical School in Groningen, where he began a long career, working at the Laagspaaningsnetten Power Company. In March of 1957, Frans' parents gathered up the entire family and immigrated to the United States in hopes of a better life. The VanderBergs came to Kalamazoo in March of 1957, laying down roots in a community which the family has called home, ever since. He began working in Richland for John Klooster In September, 1961, before he became a naturalized citizen, Frans was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii for two years. Upon being honorably discharged, Frank returned to Kalamazoo and began work with Myron A. Rice Electrical and Heating. He then moved on to a long career with American Air Service, Stafford Smith Refrigeration, York, Quality Air Service, and retired from his own company, Lakeshore Mechanical, after many years of working in the nuclear industry. Frank, or "Dutch", as he was known by many, spent his free time in both Saugatuck and South Haven, often living on the boat, also named "Dutch", that he and his son, John had, together for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ruurd VanderBerg. He is survived by his son John (Laurie) VanderBerg of Richland, daughter, Jennie (Mike) Vos of Goetzville, Michigan, grandsons Eric (Kayte) Kemink of Hessel, Michigan and James VanderBerg of Kalamazoo, Michigan; siblings Evert (Phyliss) VanderBerg, Wim (Donna) VanderBerg, Anjo VanderBerg, Grietje "Grace" VanderBerg, Marjan (Dennis) Marsman, Hayo (Linda) VanderBerg, along with great grandchildren, countless nieces, nephews and cousins. Frans will be laid to rest with full military honors at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Those wishing to attend are asked to arrive to the cortege area no later than 9:45 a.m. Please consider leaving a condolence message at www.joldersma-klein.com.