Lowell VanDeRiet, M.D., loving husband and father, of Holland, MI passed away peacefully in the early hours of March 2, 2023, at the age of 91.
Lowell was born on January 27, 1932, in Milaca, Minnesota. He was the second of three sons born to Fred and Mary VanDeRiet. He received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota and practiced medicine as a family doctor in Roseville, Minnesota. On July 21, 1959, he married Mary Frances Grasman. They raised three sons, Dan, Doug, and Joel. In 2002 he and Mary moved to Holland, MI to be closer to their grandkids.
Lowell was raised on a dairy farm near Pease, Minnesota and the farmer in him never left. His time on the farm ended when he was drafted into the army. He could have sought a deferral because of his hearing loss, but he chose to serve. He did not find the heat and long marches any more difficult than the days on the farm and he enjoyed the new experiences that the army offered, including a stint in Okinawa. It was while he was in the Army that Lowell took an aptitude test which indicated that he would do well in the medical profession. During his 32 years of practice “Dr. Van” was noted for his gentleness, patience, and thoroughness in dealing with each person as a whole, and not just a disease.
Lowell enjoyed spending time with his three boys playing ball, working together on projects around the home, and taking memorable camping trips as a family. He was a reliable volunteer at his church, teaching Sunday School, heading the Stevens Ministry, doing maintenance work, and serving frequently as deacon or elder. After retirement, Lowell developed a passion for community service and devoted much of his time to Habitat for Humanity, five years in Minnesota and 15 years in Holland. It became a second career for him. In social interactions, Lowell enjoyed discussing science and philosophy and deep questions about religion and the workings of the Universe. He loved seeing the broad picture of nature and how the world works over long periods of time and he had many thoughtful but unanswered questions. His later years were enhanced by winters spent in Arizona with life-long friends. Until his last day he remained “on brand” and if asked how he was doing you’d probably get a thumbs up and the reply of “oh, about two to a hill”.
Lowell was preceded in death by his father, Fred, and mother, Mary; and his two brothers Wayne and Vernon. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary, sons Dan of Gallup, NM, Doug (Mary) of Holland, MI, Joel (Molly) of Ada, MI, grandchildren Kyle VanDeRiet, Kristen (Kevin) Kredit, Julie, Sam, and Lydia VanDeRiet, great-granddaughters Luna VanDeRiet and Anna Kredit, brothers-in-law Marv Colsman, Fred (Ann) Grasman and Jim Grasman; sister-in-law Betty, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 18, 2023, with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm at Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James Street in Holland. Memorial contributions may be made to Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity.
Comments