Rapid River, MI
Paul Joseph Vanderdonck, age 85, of Rapid River, formally of Tecumseh, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2016 with his loving wife holding his hand.
He was born in Detroit on January 29. 1931, the son of Joseph P. and Stella (DeFrance) Vanderdonck. On November 23, 1979 he married Wilma Higgins at Tecumseh United Methodist Church and they shared 36 wonderful years together.
Paul served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corp. during the Korean Conflict 1950-1954.
He retired from Tecumseh Products in 1994 and was a member of the Tecumseh American Legion Post #34. He had the honor and privilege to take the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He moved to the U.P. to enjoy his retirement by doing the things he loved; hunting, fishing and golfing and spending time with his family.
Paul is survived by his wife, Wilma of Rapid River; his son, Jeffery (Barbara) Vanderdonck of Swanton, OH; a daughter, Jody (Robert) Newman of Nantucket, MA; three step-sons, Jesse (Rebecca) Higgins of Rawlins, WY; Rodney Higgins of Adrian, MI; and Daniel (Rita) Higgins of Tecumseh; grandchildren, Amy (Ryan) Reiterman; Sarah (David) Hamilton; Kevin (Ashley) Vanderdonck; Jenah, Lia, and Julia Newman; Angie (Grant) Turner and Lee (Michele) Higgins; six great-grandchildren; and his sister, Rosemarie (Jeff) Wanner of Sarasota, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Frank; and a grandson, Wane Higgins in 2000.
Family will receive friends on Saturday March 19, 2016, from 10:00AM to 11:00AM, at Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow visitation, at 11:00AM, at Memorial United Methodist Church, with Rev. Caroline Hart officiating. Luncheon will follow in the Smith Fellowship Hall. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.
Michael Murchie - 9822 E. Main #33 Mesa, Az. 85207, 0
Dear Wilma, So sorry to hear of Paul’s passing and the loss of your father 8 days later. My thought and prayers are with you and your family.
Sandy Johnson - Rapid River, Mi
Wilma, so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Even though I did not know him, I did get to know you somewhat and I’m sure he was just as nice as you….thinking of you,Sandy Johnson (Sall-Mar)