Maynard L. Vander Stel

On March 2, 2026, at 91 years young, Maynard L. Vander Stel of Dutton, Michigan, was joyfully welcomed through the gates of glory by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 67 years, Arva Vander Stel (Vander Markt), his children Kathy Vander Stel, Gary (Mary) Vander Stel, Sharon (Rick) Heersema, and Carol (Ed) Postma as well as grandchildren Mark (Kayla) Vander Stel, Casey Vander Stel, Tessa Vander Stel, Carissa (Jordan) Eisfelder, James (Emma) Heersema, Aubrey Heersema, Megan Postma, Elizabeth (David) Blesh, Carly (Lincoln) Norris, and three great-grandchildren.

Maynard was born in Grand Rapids on August 12, 1934, to Bert and Mabel Vander Stel as the seventh of ten children. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Marion (Lee) Landis, Dorothy Boss, Robert Vander Stel, Coral (James) Sluiter, John (Mildred) Vander Stel, Louis (Polly) Vander Stel, Marjorie (Fred) Corson, Norman Vander Stel, brother-in-law Rex Stutzman, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harold and Jean Leep, and brother-in-law Simon Van Dyken. He is also survived by his sister, June Stutzman; sister-in-law Connie Vander Stel; and sister-in-law Lois Van Dyken.

From an early age, Maynard loved nature, being outdoors, and playing sports. He especially enjoyed hockey, basketball, rollerskating, softball, fishing—particularly for brook trout—snowmobiling, and bowhunting. The family shared many camping adventures, often at state parks with other close family friends. He taught himself to play guitar (long before the days of YouTube!) and often sang gospel and old country songs as he played. Never one to be lazy, he worked hard as a land surveyor for 40+ years at Medema and Van Kooten.

Maynard loved the Lord and cherished his family. He raised his children and lived his life with the desire to praise and honor God in all he did. He faithfully served for many years in the roles of deacon and elder at Dutton United Reformed Church. For the past 20+ years, he volunteered his time and “fix-it” skills at New Life Thrift Store in support of Christian schools. After retirement, they also served for ten years with SOWERS, volunteering in Florida and Texas during the winter months.

The family welcomes you to celebrate Maynard’s life with them. Visitation will be held at Dutton United Reformed Church, 6950 Hanna Lake Avenue SE, Caledonia, on Friday, March 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, March 7, from 1 to 1:45 with the service following at 2 p.m., officiated by Rev. Talman Wagenmaker.

Memorial contributions may be made to the tuition assistance funds at Dutton Christian School or South Christian High School.