Gary Clifton Vredenburg, age 78, died peacefully June 30, 2020 and met his Savior face-to-face for all eternity. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 60 years, Marty, and his four children, Cindy (Greg) Conners, Mike (Rebecca) Vredenburg, Kenn (Darcy) Vredenburg, and Crystal (Jeff) Hoffman. He was a loving, engaged grandfather to his nine grandchildren around the country - Jeffrey Vredenburg (FL), Kelli Wisthoff (TN), Robin Romano (SC), Kari Vredenburg (NYC), Ryan Conners (MI), Danny Vredenburg (OR), Kyle Vredenburg (MI), Jon Vredenburg (CA), Milena Hoffman (OH), beloved grandson Pierce Hoffman who preceded him in death, and seven great grandchildren. Gary was born and raised in Detroit He was a Detroit police officer, working the beats downtown and then in the bureau. After the 1968 riots he relocated his family to the Vredenburg farm in Stanwood, a centennial homestead now farmed by his son and grandson. His engineering mind served him well at Wolverine Worldwide for ten years and then at Steelcase where he advanced to plant manager. He left Detroit with a dog and a pony, which quickly grew to a menagerie of animals thanks to his children. A “city” farmer, he quickly took to the trade and spent his retirement years driving tractor and helping on the dairy farm. He was an inquisitive, self-taught master of many skills including mechanics, woodworking, construction, and technology. Gary’s lifelong passion was music. A talented musician, he could play a song after hearing it once and could play Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue in his sleep. He played both the piano and the organ for church and directed the choir. He also enjoyed woodworking, fishing, Michigan football and playing cards with family. He was never without his Michigan cap, making clear his loyalties in his divided Spartan/ Wolverine household. He and Marty enjoyed many Michigan football games and Griffin hockey games. Gary was a member of the Lions Club, a regular at Friday morning coffee in Mecosta and enjoyed the keyboard club and many social connections in Port Richey, Florida where he spent most of the last eighteen winters. He will be missed by his family and friends who enjoyed his humor, his quick “Go Blue” and who benefited immensely from his generous spirit, his hospitality and his selfless sharing of many talents. Due to COVID-19, family and friends will gather at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Gary can be made to the benevolent fund of Sylvester Community Church, 8320 5 Mile Road, Mecosta MI 49332. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gary Clifton Vredenburg please visit our Sympathy Store.
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I went to Cody high school with Gary and considered him one of my best buddies in high school. I just ran across a picture of him I took in 1957 in the high school band room. If any are interested in having it I can be contacted at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). So sorry for your loss.
- Dale G. Perry
I will never forget Gary. Gary set high expectations for his employees at Steelcase. I still remember the day he called me into his office, closed the door, and asked me why I only completed 98% of an assignment before moving on. I really didn't know how to respond to his question. Finally, out of sheer desperation, I said: "I think 98% is good enough." Bad answer! I left Gary's office very angry. My pride was wounded. I mulled over what he said for the next hour. Slowly, I realized he was pointing out something to me… with just a little more effort I could complete 100% of a task. Gary forced me to examine my work ethic, and to not be satisfied with anything less than a 100% effort. Gary was also the only person in Steelcase management (although he was retired at the time) to call me to see how I was doing after I was downsized from Steelcase in 2002. God bless you. Rest in peace Gary!
- Bernard Beckmann
From family camp to your visit in Orlando and much more - there are so many wonderful memories that I'll cherish forever grandpa. I am very thankful that I got to spend time with you - with the loving, friendly, music-loving, open and kind man that you were. Oh grandpa you will be missed! On all the important days in my life-and on the regular ones, too-you were and you will be on my mind. Sending love to the whole family!
- Janine
Marty and the whole family, my deepest condolences and many hugs. Gary was a joy to be around and he is truly missed. His talent and love for music, for Michigan Football and skills and abilities were exceeded only by his love for God and his family. Talking to Gary always left you feeling enriched and more wholesome. Gary was a strong committed Christian whose love for Christ clearly flowed out of everything he did. Marty and Gary made an amazing team. It is a privilege to know him. I speak here in the present tense since, though he is no longer with us in this present life, he is more alive than ever in heaven and now on a new assignment with His Lord and Savior Jesus. For the Christian death is just a change of address. That is the future hope of everyone who comes to Christ and I look forward to catching up with him again and laughing together when the time comes. Gary was a deep blessing to our church family and had a wonderful sense of humor and I know there is great joy in heaven to have him home. He will be missed by us all. Simon Endacott
- Simon Endacott
alway there with a hello how is it going, funny how much beeing welcome can chage your day. going to miss you. chris
- christine Evans
Mrs. Vredenburg, Mike and family, My deepest sympathies to you in the passing of a truly good man, husband and father. It was an honor to be able to get to know Gary over these years as his primary care physician. His strength and devotion to family will always stand out to me, along with a good solid streak of stubbornness! May God fill the empty space that he leaves in your lives as we mourn here in earth. Sincerely, Jim Passinault
- Jim Passinault
Oh, grandpa, so much love and support… You were such an amazing and loving man. You always provided so much support, love and care for each and everyone of us. All of us being together are one of my favourite memories because of all the love that you shared for one another. Grandpa, you are truly missed. Not a day goes by when I am not thinking about you and thinking how happy I am to have you in my life. Sending love to grandma and rest of the family.
- Elza
Sending love and prayers to Marty, and our sincere sympathy at the passing of Gary. In His Love, Jim and Pat Wilkins
- Jim and Pat Wilkins
Dear Marty & family. My sincere condolences. Gary was my manager for several years at Steelcase. I am glad that you and Gary had many years of retirement in Florida. I pray that the good Lord gives you strength and comfort…
- Daniel Holthus
We are saddened to hear of Gary's passing. Condolences to the family.
- Dave & Munci Nassif
I only met Gary a few times but he made a lasting impression on me. I was honored to have spent a Thanksgiving with him & his family. He truly loved & was very proud of his family. Heaven received an angel when he went home.
- Karen B
Gary loved life, and his family. He could kid with the best of them. I will always remember the fun euchre parties, as well as the U of M & MSU rivalry. His and Marty’s home was always welcoming, and you could be sure he had a big hug to greet you with. God bless ♥️
- Vicki Lodden
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