Harold John Van Allsburg passed away peacefully on November 23, 2015 at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Grand Ledge, Michigan on June 1, 1926. His parents Peter and Nell Van Allsburg predeceased him, as well as his brothers Donald and Robert Van Allsburg, and a stepsister Mary Ambrose. Also passing away before him was his wife of 69 years, Margie Van Allsburg. Harold was a graduate of the 1944 class of Union High School. In December 1945 he married his high school sweetheart Margie L. Wiersma. He enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II where he served on the USS Burdo. Following his naval service, he returned to Grand Rapids to work at East End Creamery, his father's business, along with his three brothers. He also attended Dairy Food School at Michigan State University. He made the most wonderful ice cream! In the 1970's he obtained an electrician's license and installed safety equipment for manufacturing companies in Michigan and Missouri. When he retired in 1991, he was head of plant maintenance and engineering for Gill Manufacturing. Harold was a man who lived life to the fullest whether he was playing tennis, bike riding or sailing. After his retirement, he and Margie sailed in a 37 foot sailboat from the Chesapeake around through the Trent Severin Waterway to Lake Michigan. In 1992 they finished off their trip from White Lake, Michigan to Chicago down the Mississippi to the Tombigbee and the Gulf of Mexico, making numerous friends along the waterways. In the past twenty years he enjoyed biking on numerous bicycle trails around Michigan, especially the White Pine, Musketawa and Millennium Trails. About two weeks before his death he rode 10 miles around Roselle Park area with his family. He will be greatly missed. Survivors are daughter Susan J. (Alan) Vandermeer of Grand Rapids, daughter Cynthia V. (Raymond) Miller of Rockford, and son Derk J. (Anne) Van Allsburg of Grand Rapids. Harold was blessed with grandchildren Sarah E. Vandermeer of Grand Rapids, Brian D. (Heather) Vandermeer of Walker, and Katrina Van Allsburg of Toronto, Ontario. His brother Richard (Mary)Van Allsburg, lives in Kentwood, and sister-in-law Sally (Gay) VanOtteren in Grand Rapids, and brother-in-law William R. (Betty) Wiersma in Lititz, Pennsylvania. There are numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews surviving. According to his wishes cremation has already taken place. A memorial service has been scheduled for Monday, November 30 at 11am at Porter Hills Village Meeting House, 3600 East Fulton. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of the White Pine Trail or Faith Hospice. A special thank you to Dr. Brinker and Nurse Katie at the Cancer and Hematology Center of Western Michigan for their kind and loving care of Harold.



Service Information

Visitation
When: Monday, November 30, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am
Location:
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo AveKentwood,MI 49508

Service
When: Monday, November 30, 2015 11:00am
Location:
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo AveKentwood,MI 49508