Jerry Lee VanDenBerg

Jerry Lee VanDenBerg, 81, of Niles, died peacefully Thursday, September 26, 2024, in the comfort of his family’s presence.

His life began April 23, 1943, in Byron Center, Michigan, one of four children born to John Sr. and Henrietta VanDenBerg. He married Marty Hostetler July 24, 1999 in Niles, Michigan. 

Jerry was a musician, played marimba, drums, and vibraphone. He enjoyed playing the marimba in churches and nursing homes. He loved Polka music and met Marty while dancing. He was in a Polka band with his brothers, had a Polka show out of South Haven, and was a mobile deejay. He enjoyed working in the yard and just generally being outdoors and enjoyed fishing. Jerry would always find ways to help others and joke around. He enjoyed tinkering and dabbled in wood working. He and Marty traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and several states. 

Jerry will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Marty VanDenBerg, who resides in Niles; daughter, Rachael VanDenBerg of North Carolina; son, Jeff VanDenBerg of Niles; three stepchildren, Randy Borkholder of Elkhart, Indiana, Larry Borkholder of Columbia City, Indiana, Retha Peterson of Nappanee, Indiana; one granddaughter, Ava; five step grandchildren, Kenneth Peterson, Lindsey Peterson, Charles Borkholder, Elaina Borkholder, Loren Borkholder; one step great grandson, Sebastian; one brother, Morrie (Helen) VanDenBerg of Sodus; his beloved Boston Terrier, Brandy; and a host of nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John VanDenBerg, Jr., Jay VanDenBerg; and stepson, Kevin Borkholder. 

Family and friends will gather Monday, September 30, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in Hope Community Church, 2390 Lake Street, Niles. 

Jerry will be laid to rest in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Jerry be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, South West Region, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, 200 Turwill Lane, Suite 6, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49006.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.