Neil Vande Vord, Jr.

Lansing, MI

Neil Vande Vord, Jr. passed away on April 12, 2018, in his home with family present.  Neil was born and raised in Kalamazoo.  He graduated from Western Michigan University and worked for Michigan State University for 37 years in the School of Labor and Industrial Relations.

Neil was a former Kalamazoo County Commissioner, and served on the Kalamazoo Economic Development Council. He also was a member of the Pioneer Civitan Club of Lansing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Alice Vande Vord.  Neil is survived by his wife Virginia, son Todd (Pamela) Vande Vord, daughter Debra (Stephen) Owel, and grandsons Nicholas Owel, Tyler Vande Vord, and Trevor Vande Vord.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, 564 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI  48104 or the Civitan International Research Center, P.O. Box 130744, Birmingham, AL 35213-1983.

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12 Messages to “Neil Vande Vord, Jr.

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Nancy J Bracey
April 13, 2018 at 4:49 pm

Dear Ginny and family. We were so sad to hear about Neil. Thankfully, he is finally at peace. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Love, Bruce and Nancy Bracey

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Keresztesi-Stevens
April 14, 2018 at 12:12 pm

Neil was a long time member of the White River Beach Association extended family. He will be missed at our Annual Meetings and helping with various group improvement activites as well as discussions at potlucks. We send our love to the family. Know that our thoughts are with you and that he and the family will always be part of our WRBA family. Unfortunately, Wednesdays are not a good day for us to drive up to Lansing. Our condolences to the family and we shall see everyone next summer. Keresztesi-Stevens

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DAVID GULDIN
April 14, 2018 at 3:46 pm

DEAR GINNY,

ANN AND I SEND OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES KNOWING THAT NEAL IS FREE AND AT PEACE. WE ARE SO SORROW THAT WE ARE NOT ABLE TO ATTEND THE SERVICES.

WITH LOVE, IN CIVITAN,
DAVID AND ANN GULDIN

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Marlene Dean Doran, PG of MI Civitan
April 15, 2018 at 11:16 am

Dear Ginny and family,
Saddened by the news of Neil’s passing but so thankful he was a part of my life in Civitan and friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with you as we remember Neil. He was a kind, loving, and respected gentleman, a true friend who will be missed.

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Susan Bradshaw
April 15, 2018 at 11:48 am

Ginny, my sincere condolences on Neil’s passing. Our thought and prayers are with you and your family. Susan Bradshaw and Al Forster

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Carol Zomer-DeRuiter
April 15, 2018 at 1:39 pm

Dear Ginny, Thank you for your call letting me know of Neil’s passing. Your call brought back good memories of when you, Neil, Todd and Debbie were, almost, our neighbors. Both house numbers same just a few streets apart. Also, wonderful memories of our Zomer family holiday times. Please accept my sympathy and may good memories along with love and prayers of friends bring you and your family peace and comfort in the next days and weeks.

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Elizabeth Howe
April 16, 2018 at 3:31 pm

Dearest Ginny: Ed and I wish we could be with you Wednesday as you honor Neil…can it really be over fifty years since we first met in Rochester? We had so many great times and also shared in more recent challenges. We had so much in common–from politics to MSU to just watching our children grow. Somehow, I will always remember Neil enjoying that big dish of chocolate ice cream the last time we were together. This is sent with love, Ginny. You are the best! Betty & Ed Howe

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Laura Clark-Roumpz
April 16, 2018 at 3:35 pm

Ginny, and family;

I am so sorry to hear of Neil’s passing, however, how blessed he was to have the love, dedication, and efforts of his family to make to maintain his quality of life.

Prayers of healing to you.

xoxo

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Nansie Strobel
April 18, 2018 at 8:26 am

Ginny and family, my prayers and strength at this difficult time. I know Neil enjoyed a endearing life of love, from all those that were there during these years.
Sending comfort and blessings,

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Anne Harvey
April 18, 2018 at 8:53 am

Ginny, I am thinking of you and your family at this time of grieving and remembrance.

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Annette Harrington - Home Instead
April 20, 2018 at 1:15 pm

Ginny & family – my deepest condolences to you. I feel grateful to have met and provided assistance to you. Wishing you peace at this time of loss.

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Carol Haddad
April 27, 2018 at 4:27 pm

Neil was a valued colleague with whom I had the pleasure of working at the MSU Labor Program Service from 1978-89. He was a kind and gentle soul, and helpful to younger colleagues. I send deepest condolences to Ginny and the entire Vande Vord family.

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