Dorothy L. VanDamme

Resided in St. Nicholas, MI
Died April 29, 2020

Dorothy L VanDamme, 90, of St. Nicholas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at Murray’s Country View Assisted Living in Gladstone.

Dorothy was born on May 3, 1930 in St Nicholas, Michigan, the daughter of Emil and Eva (Ambeau) DeBacker. She graduated from the Rock High School in 1948. She was united in marriage to Girard “Jerry” VanDamme on October 15, 1949 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Perkins where she was also a longtime member. Dorothy was a lifetime member of the Terrace Bluff Golf Course in Gladstone and kept score for numerous tournaments over the years. She was also a member of the Escanaba Elks Lodge #354 and loved to work side by side with her husband on the potato farm, spend time with her family, bowling, playing cards and traveling.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Art (Paula) VanDamme of Gladstone, Bob (Candee) VanDamme of St. Nicholas, Mark VanDamme of Garden City, Idaho, Carole VanDamme of Escanaba and Theresa (Jamie) Craig of Sahuarita, AZ; grandchildren, Casey (Jill) VanDamme, Eric (Earlene) VanDamme, Bobbi (Jake) Klee, Betsy (Todd) Macco, Cory Troutman, Shannon (Felipe) Lujan, Faith VanDamme, Brandon VanDamme and John VanDamme; numerous great grandchildren; her sister, Jane Pryal of Escanaba and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, an infant daughter, Jane Marie VanDamme, her parents, brothers, Jerome and Patrick DeBacker and sisters, Mary Beasley, Rose Beauchamp and Jeanette VanDamme.

The family would like to thank Theresa Murray and the staff at Murray’s Country View Assisted Living for the loving care giving mom received over the last three years.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 2 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will be 6:00 PM at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Perkins with Fr. Larry VanDamme and Fr. Joseph V. Augustine officiating. Graveside services in the St. Nicholas Cemetery will immediately follow the Mass.

16 Tributes for “Dorothy L. VanDamme

    This woman saved my life and I was fortunate enough to call her mom you are and will always be in my thoughts my heart and my prayers
    I love you mom

    Rest in peace Aunt Dorothy.
    I will remember you fondly, you were the only person in the world I didn’t mind calling me Joycie.
    Art, Bob, Carole, Mark & Theresa, I will keep you in my thought and prayers, she sure was a special lady.
    I have been blessed by all the wonderful “other mothers” in my life.

    In the little time I got to know her she was a loving, spunky, beautiful soul ! She will be missed! We love you Dort! Fly high! ❤

    I will be forever be grateful for being allowed to care for n love this beautiful lady ❣️ She brought so much joy to my life . It truly was a honor! I’m sorry for your loss , love you carol

    To my old friend Art, Bob and the entire family, our sympathies to you on your Mothers passing. She lived a long and good life. Hope all of you can take comfort in the memories she left you. God Bless you all.

    Bud and Sue Sargent
    Washburn, WI

    A very good lady has been called home. Know of my prayers and support as you mourn her, Art, Bob, Carole, Mark, Theresa, and your families. God’s peace.

    Art, Bob, Casey, Eric and the whole family sorry for your loss. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers.

    My thoughts and prayers to the Van Damme family. As a boy I lived directly across the street from Jerry and Dorthy Van Damme. She would often walk over with a bag of potatoes for my family. We always felt so good having the Van Damme’s as neighbors. I later got to know and play with Casey and Eric,.. the grandsons of Dorthy. They knew my grand father well – Henry Gustafson on Friday Road. I’m very sorry for the loss of Dorthy. I know she lived a wonderful life. God Bless her Soul.

    Erik

    Art, Bob, Carole, Mark & Theresa,
    Your mom was a loving special lady. I spent a lot of time in summers with her dishing out the ice cream at the end of a hard days work. Our families were close and I will always remember the packer games, hunting, fishing, the 8 hp ski-doo and so many more great times. Rest In Peace my friend. See you there.

    Art, Bob, Carole, Mark, Theresa. Your mom was a special loving lady. I will always remember the big smile she had as she doled out the ice cream from the cardboard tub in the freezer at the end of a hard days work. Our families were close for many years. A lot of good memories. Working, hunting, fishing, camping, the 8 hp Ski-Doo, and so much more. Rest In Peace my friend. See you above the moon.

    Theresa, Mark, Carole, Bob & Art, you and your families are in my prayers. I treasure my memories of Aunt Dorothy and your family. Nothing extraordinary, but it is the ordinary, everyday experiences that make childhood memories special. Our families went camping together and in 1967 we went to the World’s Fair in Montreal. She was my confirmation sponsor. I am grateful she was my aunt!

    My condolences to Art, Bob and the entire family on your loss. You can be sure she’s in a good place now!

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