Willis “Bill” Vander Berg age 89, of Holland, died Friday, February 7, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.
Bill was a lifetime member of 14th St. Christian Reformed Church and owned and operated Bill’s Automotive for over 40 years. He graduated from Holland Christian High School and attended Hope College. Bill and his wife, Margo, were long-time members of the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club.
Bill had many hobbies: if he wasn’t doing archery, camping, or boating in the summer, he was going on snowmobiling trips in the winter. But his first love was always sailing. He raced competitively in various boats, but racing his #213 International 110 ‘Double Trouble’ was where he wanted to be. With Bill at the helm, his favorite crew members ranged from his daughter Kris, his son Mark and most, if not all of his grandchildren and their spouses. When Bill retired from his 110, he found himself sailing remote-control sailboats with many others that enjoyed small pond sailing.
Bill is survived by his wife of 69 years, Margo (Woltman); children, Laurie Honor, Kristine and Stu Solomon, Mark and Diane Vander Berg; 6 grandchildren, Tina (Phil) Michmerhuizen, Alesha (Tim) Dewit, Sarah (Tim) Smith, Daniel (Anna) Vander Berg, Nicholas (Daniel) Byrd, Andrea (Tim) Thielke; 12 Great grandchildren; sister, Phyllis (Flip) Heerspink; in-laws Dee Post; Rich (Bev) Woltman; Roger (Bev) Woltman; Linda (Art) Gonzales. Bill was preceded in death by his sister Sandy Elzinga and brothers-in-law, Chuck Elzinga and Stu Post.
A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Fourteenth Street Christian Reformed Church, 14 W. 14th St. Holland with Rev. Benj Petroelje officiating. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, February 21, at Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home.
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