Dale Bernerd Vander Weide

On May 24, 2025, Dale Bernerd Vander Weide, age 73, of Zeeland, Michigan, was called home to rest in the arms of his Savior. Born on March 16, 1952, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Dale made an immense impact and was a light in the communities that he lived in and had an unwavering love for his family. Shortly after graduating from Calvin Christian High School, Dale met his one and only true love, Hope. They proudly celebrated 50 years of marriage late last year. If you knew Dale, you have at one point experienced his legendary infectious laugh that would overtake entire restaurants, schools, trains, buses and church auditoriums. He had a magnetic presence and generous heart that touched lives around the world. Above all, Dale's deep faith in God guided every step of his life. He led mission trips with humility and strength, becoming a beacon of hope and a living example of Christ's love. His generous spirit and constant leadership inspired those around him to live with purpose, courage, and compassion. A man of remarkable talent and tireless work ethic, Dale was self-taught, highly skilled, and endlessly creative. He built a successful big rig mobile repair business - a pioneering endeavor in the 1980s - and later served as a lead mechanic for the City of Holland. From driving buses on church tours and mission trips to building his own family home, Dale lived a full and meaningful life, always teaching and mentoring those around him. Family was Dale's greatest pride and joy. Raising five children across three decades only fueled his boundless energy. He loved, supported, and cherished each one, creating countless memories and laying a strong foundation for his beloved wife, Hope, to pursue her passions. Dale was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather - always present, never missing a single event or opportunity to show his love and commitment. His enthusiasm for nurturing the next generation was evident in the many youth sports teams he coached, instilling in young people the importance of hard work, resilience, and faith. In retirement, Dale and Hope embraced new adventures in sunny Arizona, making new friends and enjoying life's simple pleasures. Even in his final years, Dale continued to serve others, lend a helping hand, and light up every gathering with his humor and warmth. During his courageous battle with cancer, he returned to West Michigan earlier this year to lean on his broader support network of family and friends through challenging times. Dale leaves behind a legacy of love, service, craftsmanship, and faith that will forever resonate in the hearts of his family, friends, and community. Though we mourn his passing, his spirit will continue to inspire acts of kindness, hard work, and devotion to God. Dale is survived by: His loving wife, Hope Vander Weide; His children: Timothy and Dawn Westveld, Rhonda and Matt Van Kley, Paul and Michelle Vander Weide, Nathan and Kaitlin Vander Weide, and Aaron and Lucy Vander Weide; Grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jenna and Taylor Fisher (children, Eleanor and Bennett), Cassie and Dallas Martinez (children, Hailey, Molly, Jessica, Damian, and Louis), Kirsten and Austin Goedhart (child, Abel), and Jade Chandler; His sister: Pat Vander Weide; His brother: Dick and Nancy Vander Weide; And many cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws. Celebrating Dale's Life: Funeral Service: Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home 315 East 16th Street, Holland, MI 49423 Visitation & Reception to Follow: 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the same location. All who knew and loved Dale are warmly invited to gather and celebrate his life. Memorial Contributions: Memorial gifts may be made to New Harvest Ministries International at www.newharvest.org. NHMI serves remote villages in Tanzania and across India, sharing the Gospel-over 1,000,000 people have responded to Christ. The ministry has established 328+ churches and graduated 1,300+ students from its Bible colleges. NHMI also provides clean water, supports orphans and widows, and runs a medical clinic, nursery school, day school, sewing school, and a 3,000-acre agricultural project. www.langelandsterenberg.com

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Dale Bernerd Vander Weide

March 16, 1952 - May 24, 2025