Jeffrey Vander Weele

In Loving Memory

Jeff Vander Weele was a devoted husband, an extraordinary father, a faithful servant of the Lord, and a man whose greatest gift was making others feel loved and valued. His life was defined by selflessness, generosity, faith, and an unwavering belief that family always came first.

Early Life and a Love Story That Lasted a Lifetime

Jeff was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, on February 7, 1965, and grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, where he attended school and developed a lifelong love of sports. Football, tennis, and golf were among his favorites. He was also fortunate to enjoy many family trips throughout his childhood, creating memories that helped shape his appreciation for family, adventure, and time spent together.

Jeff carried those memories close to his heart, especially after experiencing the heartbreaking losses of his brother, Randy, and his mother, Phyllis, both of whom passed away far too soon. These experiences further shaped his appreciation for the importance of family and the precious time we are given with those we love.

It was at La Follette High School in Madison that Jeff met the love of his life, Dawn. They were just 15 years old when their story began. Their young love grew into a lifelong partnership, and at just 20 years old, they married while Jeff was attending Calvin College. What began as a teenage romance blossomed into a beautiful 41-year marriage filled with love, laughter, shared adventures, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

Together, Jeff and Dawn built a life centered on faith, family, and the belief that life’s greatest blessings come from loving and serving others.

His Greatest Accomplishment: His Family

Together, Jeff and Dawn raised four wonderful children: Marissa, Colin, Dylan, and Karsyn. His children were his greatest joy, and he dedicated his life to supporting them in everything they loved.

Whether it meant traveling thousands of miles across multiple states for hockey, volleyball, or competitive cheer, Jeff and Dawn never hesitated to show up. They invested countless hours, miles, and memories in their children’s passions and happiness, building a lifetime of unforgettable experiences along the way.

Jeff always said he would never regret a single moment of it. He and Dawn found their greatest happiness in the happiness of their children, and being present for their lives was one of his proudest accomplishments.

Jeff considered himself incredibly blessed that all four of his children continued to live close enough for the family to spend time together regularly. Those everyday moments, family gatherings, shared laughter, and simple opportunities to be together were among the things he treasured most.

A Life Full of Adventure and Memories

Throughout his life, Jeff was fortunate to travel extensively, both through his career with Raymond James and alongside his beloved family. These experiences took him around the world, creating unforgettable adventures, cherished memories, and stories that would be shared and retold for years to come.

Those stories will continue to bring smiles and laughter to the people who shared them. For Jeff, the greatest part of any adventure was never simply the destination, but the opportunity to experience it with the people he loved.

A Career Built on Helping Others

Jeff built a successful career as a financial advisor with Raymond James, dedicating himself to helping others plan for their futures and navigate life’s important financial decisions.

But his commitment to serving others extended far beyond his professional life. He served on the board of Wedgwood Christian Services and generously contributed his time and heart to fundraising committees supporting Holland Home, Bethany, and Exalta Health.

Jeff believed deeply in giving back, lifting others up, and using the gifts he had been given to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around him.

A Faithful Servant and an Extraordinary Man

Above all, Jeff strove to live his life in service to the Lord and to set an example of faith, kindness, humility, and love for his children. He embraced a life of servanthood, consistently putting the needs of others before his own and giving generously without expecting anything in return.

Jeff possessed a rare and beautiful ability to make everyone he encountered feel as though they were the most important person in the room. He made people feel seen, heard, appreciated, and loved. His kindness was genuine, his heart was generous, and his selflessness was not simply something he practiced. It was who he was.

He was the kind of man who left people better than he found them, not through grand gestures, but through countless small acts of kindness, compassion, and love that defined the way he lived each day.

His Greatest Legacy

Jeff’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, family, and service. His greatest legacy will not be measured by his professional accomplishments or the places he traveled, but by the family he loved so deeply, the friendships he nurtured, the lives he touched, and the example he set for everyone fortunate enough to know him.

His love will live on through the values he instilled in his children, the memories he created with Dawn and their family, the kindness he extended to others, and the countless lives he made brighter simply by being himself.

Jeff did not simply tell people what mattered most in life. He showed them through the way he lived.

He leaves behind a lasting example of what it means to live with purpose, serve with humility, and love wholeheartedly. Though he will be missed beyond measure, the faith, selflessness, and unconditional love that defined his life will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know him.

Survived By

Jeff is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Dawn Vander Weele, and their four children: Marissa Vander Weele and her husband, Tommy Rivera; Colin Vander Weele and his girlfriend, Anna Palmisano; Dylan Vander Weele; and Karsyn Vander Weele, along with the many beloved dogs who brought so much joy to their family.

He is also survived by his father, Ray Vander Weele, and Ray’s spouse, Phyllis Palazzolo; his sister, Patty Haan, and her husband, Doug Haan; his nephew, Colby Haan, and his wife, Katy, and their children, Enno and Walter; his nephews, Andrew Haan and Scott Haan; and his niece, Allison Haan.

Jeff is also survived by his sister-in-law, Keri-Jo McCarron, and her husband, Mike McCarron; her eldest son, Jonny Beale, and his partner, Kasey Lane, along with their children, Mason, Maverick, and Sullivan; Keri-Jo’s other sons, Joe Beale, Josh Beale, and Jordi Beale; Josh’s fiancée, Sidney Seymour, and their son, Lee-Joseph Beale; as well as Jeff’s brother-in-law and dear friend, Jason DuBois.

Jeff’s family was his greatest pride, his greatest joy, and the center of his world. He considered himself incredibly blessed to share his life with them, and the love, memories, and values he leaves behind will forever live on in their hearts.

Celebration of Life

Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Jeff’s life.

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Ada Bible Church – Knapp Street Campus

3869 Knapp Street NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Time of Reflection and Gathering

12:00 PM Celebration of Life Service

1:00 PM Lunch and Fellowship

Livestream Information

For family and friends who are unable to attend in person, Jeff’s Celebration of Life service will be livestreamed on Thursday, October 22, 2026, beginning at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

We warmly invite those joining from afar to be part of this special time as we gather to honor, remember, and celebrate Jeff’s life.

Watch the Service Live: https://control.resi.io/webplayer/video.html?id=2ac1e06b-b9c4-47f3-9fc5-eeed94a293bb

In Lieu of Flowers

In accordance with Jeff’s wishes, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to one of two organizations that hold special meaning to the Vander Weele family.

Olivia’s Gift

A remarkable organization dedicated to providing loving, supportive homes for adults with disabilities, and a cause especially close to the family’s heart through the work of Jeff’s daughter, Marissa.

https://www.oliviasgift.org/support-olivias-gift

Faith Hospice / Trillium Woods (Holland Home)

An organization devoted to providing compassionate, dignified care and comfort to individuals and families navigating life’s most difficult moments.

https://faithhospicecare.org/foundation/

Both organizations reflect the values Jeff lived by: serving others, showing compassion, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around him. The family is grateful for any contributions made in his memory.