Gordon Wayne “Gordy” VanderLaan, 82, of Hart, passed away Monday, July 28, 2025. He was born June 9, 1943, in Muskegon, the son of Cyril and Virginia (Flintoff) VanderLaan.
Gordy worked for the City of Hart for over 40 years and took great pride in his work; specifically noting that he loved his job and his work friends, especially when he beat them at cards! He also loved spending time mowing his yard, and even plowing snow in the wintertime. Gordy felt peace being in the great outdoors, often spending time shining for deer, hunting, or fishing.
Gordy enjoyed watching many sports in his free time. Professionally, he enjoyed watching the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers, and would often fall asleep watching boxing late at night. However, no teams could compare to his beloved Hart Pirates. One of Gordy’s greatest joys was watching his grandchildren participate in school sports and being there to cheer them on.
Gordy is survived by: his children, Tammy Wendt and Timothy (Becky) VanderLaan; grandchildren, Kourtney (Adriaan Buurke) Wendt, Kyle (Sabrina) Wendt, Austin (Samantha Kulhanek) VanderLaan, and Lauren VanderLaan; great-grandchild, Callahan Wendt; and brother, Fred VanderLaan.
On June 13, 1964, Gordy married the love of his life, Linda Lou (Dennison) VanderLaan, and she preceded him in death on October 28, 2018. He was also preceded in death by: his father, Cyril VanderLaan; and his mother and step-father, Virginia and Thomas Pekich.
Memorial services were conducted Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, with Pastor Ryan Vander Zwaag officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hart Wesleyan Church, 3757 West Polk Road, Hart, MI 49420.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com
