On November 1, 2024, Paul Robert Van Drunen, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by family, after a short and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Paul was 73 years old.
An avid cyclist and nature enthusiast, Paul had a passion for helping others experience the outdoors. He led family and friends on adventures like spelunking in Indiana, kayaking rivers in Michigan and Florida, water and snow skiing, and multiple bicycle trips. One of his favorite memories was a 3,600-mile bike ride across America with his family.
A skilled businessman and entrepreneur, Paul started the High Wheeler Bicycle Shop after college. He later established WoodMatic Enterprises, a custom woodworking company. In 1985 he purchased TriPonds Family Camp Resort and has since developed it into a cherished campground and retreat for thousands of families.
Paul was a devoted family man. He met his wife, Dotty, in middle school at Holland Christian; they dated through high school and college and shared 52 years of marriage.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Dotty, and their three children: Ethan (Jamie Vinson) Van Drunen, Kate (Tony) Rietema, and Angela (Amy) Day. He was known as “Papa Paulie” to his grandchildren Sierra, Ellery, Raina, Piper, and Addilyn Rietema, and to Wilder, Laken, and North Van Drunen. He was the son of Rev. Seymour and Wilma (Roorda) Van Drunen and brother to Joy (Don) VandenBrink, Doris (David) VanderMeulen, Charles (Susanne) Van Drunen, and Steven Van Drunen. His in-laws include Glenn and Edythe (Fiet) Mannes (deceased), Robert (deceased) and Rose Mannes, Chuck (deceased) and Nancy Mannes, Jeanne (Kelly) DeWys, and Tom (Bonnie) Mannes.
Paul will be remembered for his kind heart and quiet generosity. He was a man of action and service, who loved his family and community. Paul’s deep faith in Jesus Christ was central to how he lived. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 7, 2024, in the chapel of Central Wesleyan Church (please use entrances D & G). Burial will be prior to the service in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland. Donations are in Paul’s memory to: Trillium Woods Hospice Care- https://faithhospicecare.org/services/in-patient-hospice-care, Velo Kids-Velo Kids https://www.velo-kids.org/donate , Holland Christian Tuition Grant Fund- https://hollandchristian.org.
Comments