Merrill (Mick) Vogelzang entered into the presence of the Lord on Wednesday, December 10, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on December 13, 1953, Mick began working part time at the family store (Vogelzang Hardware) while attending Holland Christian High School, where he graduated in 1972. After time spent attending Dordt College and Grand Valley, he began full time at Vogelzang Hardware, eventually taking over with his cousin Dave following the death of his father Leonard in 1979. Mick lived his life as a devoted follower of Christ. Whether at the store, at church, during a job of truck driving, working at the Gateway Mission, or most recently working at Blain’s Farm and Fleet, Mick held an unwavering faith in God, and a heart for those struggling with addiction issues. He took every opportunity to share the love of Christ and the Gospel message with others.
Mick met his beloved wife Joan VanTil while working at the Vogelzang store, where she was employed. They married in August of 1988, and recently celebrated 36 years of marriage. Through the years, they continued to grow in their love of the Lord, and of each other. As active attendees of Manna Church, their burden has been to work as partners with Christ to “seek and save the lost’, a calling Mick felt strongly as he and Joan provided transitional housing for graduates of Gateway. Mick’s “lead by example” and peacemaker heart provided positive mentoring for men to help them become successful and contributing members in society.
Because we rejoice in the promise of eternal life, we know that Mick has been reunited with his mother and father, Josephine and Leonard Vogelzang, and eldest brother Leonard Vogelzang.
Surviving are Mick’s wife, Joan; brothers, Joel (Naomi) Vogelzang, Doug (Jackie) Vogelzang, Tim (Claire) Vogelzang; sisters-in-law, MariJo (Steve) Osterink, Diane (John) Thornton; step-daughters, Jackie (Rodney) Arendsen, Jill (David) Zondag; grandchildren, Jacob Zondag, Melanie (Brock) Hoffman, Samuel Zondag, Jordan Zondag, Peyton Zondag; nieces, Lyndsey (Brad) Meiste, Meg (Austin) Zoerhof, Kelsey (Garrett) Dutton, Christi (Frank) Madrigal, Trisha (Joe) Harkema; nephews, Alex (Courtney) Vogelzang, Rick (Susan) Vogelzang, Douglas Dabrowski; cousin, Joan (Arnold-deceased) Pals, Carol (Bill) Stewart, Bill (Stephanie) Pals, Sarah Pals, special friend, William Zanowic; and many beloved cousins, great nieces and nephews.
Visitation with the family will be from 3:00-6:00 pm on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Langeland Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th St. Holland, MI 49423.
A celebration of life will be held for Mick at 1:00 pm on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Manna Church, 220 Central Ave. Holland, MI 49423.
Burial to take place in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mick’s honor may be made to the Benevolence Fund at Manna Church at www.mannafellowship.org/give or by mail to 220 Central Ave. Holland, MI 49423.
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18 KJV
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 KJV
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