Keith “Kip” Allen VanderWerp, age 73, entered into his heavenly home on July 11, 2022 after his battle with cancer. Kip was born in Grand Rapids on January 7, 1949 to the late Gerald & Martha (Strauss) VanderWerp, and was a lifelong resident of the area.
After graduating from Ottawa Hills High School, Kip enlisted in the US Naval Reserves. He proudly served our country during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, Kip settled back in Grand Rapids and went on to graduate from Grand Valley State.
He spent his career working for the US Postal Service, primarily as the postmaster for the Hudsonville post office.
A man of great faith, Kip centered his life around his love of his God and church. He was an active member of Revelation Pointe Church. He looked forward to the weekly bible study group he hosted in his home.
Kip loved to keep active in the community. He was a long-time member of the Casino Club, even serving on the board for many years. He also enjoyed the camaraderie amongst other veterans that his membership at the Boat & Canoe Club provided.
There was a soft spot in Kip’s heart for dogs. He loved them, and over the years his home was filled with the wagging tails and welcomed barks of several rescued dogs. His current canine companion, Melody, will miss him dearly.
Kip is survived by his brother Jim (Dorene) VanderWerp, his sister Gail (Lou) Gyenese, and his nieces & nephews: Kristen (Paul) Numinen, Jason Dunnett, Benjamin “BJ” (Sarah) VanderWerp, Kelly (Dakota) Hunter, Kristen (Rob) Rochevot, Davis MacAulay and Louis “Buddy” Gyenese III as well as many other relatives.
A Memorial Service for Kip will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday September 24, 2022 at The Revelation Pointe in the Belmont Baptist Church; 6446 Belmont Ave NE, Belmont, MI 49306.
Memorial donations in memory of Kip may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Lake Haven Rescue (where Kip adopted his animal friends).
