Dolores "Laurie" Vanden Heuvel

Mrs. Vanden Heuvel's service will be live streamed and can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2rgIGY9agM Dolores “Laurie” Vanden Heuvel, age 86 of Holland passed away Sunday, April 6, 2025. She is survived by her children: Geoffrey and Darlene Vanden Heuvel, Jane and Drew Jelgerhuis, Joel and Deb Vanden Heuvel, Jim and Ruth Vanden Heuvel, and Jon and Vicki Vanden Heuvel; 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; her brother Ron and Gert Van Putten; and her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Mary and Jim Zuidema, and Bill and Ellen Vanden Heuvel. Laurie was born on May 24, 1938, in Grand Rapids, MI to Jacob and Marie Van Putten. She was preceded in death by her husband Reverend Thomas C. Vanden Heuvel, her infant son, Daniel Lee Vanden Heuvel, and her siblings and their spouses: Peter Van Putten, Mary Van Putten, and Allen and Sharon Van Putten and her brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Reverend Henry and Nancy Vanden Heuvel, and Marilyn Vanden Heuvel. Laurie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and servant of God whose life was guided by her commitment to Jesus Christ and her desire to serve God’s purposes in the world. This conviction shaped her work, her relationships, and how she spent her time. Laurie was an early leader in the pro-life movement, advocating for the protection of human life at every stage. She was also involved in Christian publishing, working as an editor for journals focused on the authority of Scripture and preservation of the historic Reformed faith. She wrote Bible studies and catechism materials, helping young and old alike understand the truth of the Bible. Her doctrinal publications were shared among many churches and taught in the homes of families, including her own children and grandchildren. Laurie was a natural and gifted teacher throughout her career, working in Christian schools across multiple states. Her passion for knowledge was matched only by her desire to share it clearly and faithfully. She also had a heart for hospitality, inviting guests into her home—from travelers to church members and missionaries. Her home was a place where people of all racial and cultural backgrounds felt appreciated, cared for, and encouraged. Music was another important part of Laurie’s life. She played both the piano and organ for church services and special occasions, and she taught lessons. One of her favorite and most memorable activities was playing the “Hallelujah Chorus” every Christmas. Laurie loved to travel and took trips to South America, Europe, Africa, South Korea, and across the United States and Canada. She organized family vacations to all regions of the country, with five kids, a tent trailer, cook stove, plenty of sports equipment, and plenty of special treats. These travels were often tied to her deep sense of adventure and reflected her interest in the wider creation, always reminding her family of God’s work in it. Laurie was a faithful pastors wife and served churches with him at: Bethel Christian Reformed Church (CRC), Waupun, WI, Brookfield CRC, Milwaukee, WI, Central Avenue CRC, Holland, MI, First CRC, Chino, CA, First CRC, Orange City, IA, First CRC, Byron Center, MI, Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA), Holland, MI, and Seventh Reformed Church, Grand Rapids, MI. Visitation will be 6-8 pm Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 East 16th Street, Holland. The memorial service to honor the life of Laurie Vanden Heuvel will be held at 12 pm Friday, April 11, 2025, at Central Avenue Christian Reformed Church, 259 Central Ave, Holland. Interment will be in Garfield Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Mid-America Reformed Seminary. www.langelandsterenberg.com

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Dolores "Laurie" Vanden Heuvel

May 24, 1938 - April 6, 2025