Melvin “Mel” Vande Gevel

Melvin “Mel” Vande Gevel, age 80, of Grand Rapids, went to be with his loving Savior on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Vande Gevel; his brother, Richard Vande Gevel; and his lifelong friend, James Francis. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Sharon (Kiel) Vande Gevel: their children, Matthew and Kathleen Vande Gevel, Steven Vande Gevel, Kristen Ruth Vande Gevel; their grandchild, Sian Vande Gevel; his brother, John and wife, Leigh Vande Gevel; his sisters, Joyce Hadley and Linda Vande Gevel; and many nieces and nephews.

Mel loved spending time with his family at Lake Michigan, was a devoted fan of Lions and Spartan football, and his granddaughter, Sian. Mel was a pillar in his community wherever he went. He began his career as a sportscaster at WHLS radio in Port Huron, then news director at WLAV, WZZM and WOTV in Grand Rapids. He went on to become the director of communications for the Grand Rapids Public Schools, where he worked for nearly 30 years.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Tuesday from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to The Salvation Army, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Other Way Ministries, or a charity of one’s choice.