Mr. Vander “Van” Merritt, age 79, of Cedar Springs, passed away on Thursday, September 2, 2010. He was a carpenter, a trade that he learned from his family. Van enlisted in the US Navy where he worked as a mechanic on the aircraft. After returning home, Van worked in carpentry with his brother, Chuck. For most of his life he did upholstering, first at Furniture City. Then he opened his own business in Comstock Park, and later in Sparta called Van’s Upholstery. After a while he went back to construction as a builder and worked for others, which included working at the old Metropolitan Hospital, Lameroux Apartments, and the Fred & Lena Meijer Garden Park. He returned to upholstery and worked at Mueller Furniture until his retirement. After that Van worked at Ellis Parking for five years. His children have special memories of the times they would travel and go camping. Van was a person who enjoyed hunting, fly fishing, and ice fishing. He and Maryetta liked traveling and visited many places in the United States. They also enjoyed day trips to visit the family and the casinos. Van was a member of the Glen Hill Post #287 American Legion. He is survived by his loving wife, Maryetta; children, Jewel and Robert Borgeld, Kim and Cheryl Merritt, Jon and Robin Merritt, Vance Merritt, David and Kathy Merritt; Maryetta’s children, Daniel and Peggy Long, Denise Webb, Michael and Debbie Long, Cheryle and Randy Slocum, Robert Snodgrass; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his six brothers and two sisters. The service for Van was Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home with Pastor C.J. Malone officiating. Military honors under the auspices of the Kent County Veteran’s Honor Guard. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312. Relatives and friends met with the family at the funeral home on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Arrangements by The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford
www.pedersonfuneralhome.com
