Wayne Vander Zwaag

Wayne Van Der Zwaag, 65, of Olive Center, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2021, at Butterworth Hospital following a short illness.

Wayne was born April 30, 1956, at Zeeland Hospital, the 6^th son of Harold and Elma Jane(Slagh) Vander Zwaag.  He was raised in Olive Center where he lived his whole life.  Growing up on a farm he learned how to work hard.  From his parents, he learned the fine art of visiting and conversation.  This would serve him well selling furniture at Broene’s in Allendale and later selling office supplies at Fris Office Outfitters in Holland. He was presently working at Smart Business Source, with his eye on retirement.    Wayne could strike up a conversation with a stranger anytime anywhere.  His interest in people and his compassionate heart was a great asset in his part-time job as a greeter at Yntema Funeral Home.  Wayne loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and loved to worship Him in song.  He loved music especially choir and organ music.  He taught himself to play the organ as a teen and enjoyed playing all his life.  He was a tenor and loved to sing in the choir.  Most recently he sang in the Borculo CRC choir and the musical group Hark Up!  His public service included chairman of the Olive Twp. Planning Commission and board member of the Olive Twp. Historical Society.  He was a member of Borculo CRC and its Men’s Bible Study and Worship Committee.  He loved to collect antiques, garden, and travel.  He was a good host and enjoyed having guests at his cottage on Crepin Lake near Hesperia.  He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Elma Jane, brother Bernard Vander Zwaag, and sister-in-law Patti Vander Zwaag.

He is survived by his former wife, Barbara (Morren) Vander Zwaag, children and their families Katie and Matt Emmert (Taylor, Hailee, Briella, Jayce) of Schroon Lake, NY,  Lindsey and Jordan Barkel (Natalie, Ruby, Charlie, Emmy) of Borculo, Nick and Rachel Vander Zwaag (Caden, Brody) of Olive Center, brothers: Glenn (Mary Ellen) Vander Zwaag, Gene (Carole) Vander Zwaag, Bob (Sandy) Vander Zwaag, Dwight (Vonnie) Vander Zwaag, Rick Vander Zwaag; sister-in-law Janice Vander Zwaag and his best friend and confidant Vern Compagner.  He is also survived by his aunt Harriet Slagh, many extended family and special friends, Donna Arnold and Diane McConnell.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Borculo CRC, 6464 96^th Avenue, Zeeland MI 49464.   Visitation will be 1-3 & 5-8 pm, Friday also at Borculo CRC.  Interment will be in Olive Township Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland, the Olive Twp. Historical Society, or Gideons International.

Arrangements by Yntema Funeral Home.  www.yntemafh.com