John M. VandeZande, 68, of 823 Grove Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Thursday, May 25, 2006, at Marquette General Hospital, in the comforting care of his family.
John was born January 26, 1938 in Big Bay, a son of Charles and Thelma (Mitchell) VandeZande, and was raised in Big Bay until the age of seven when the family moved to Marquette. He was a graduate of the Bishop Baraga High School and later received a bachelor’s degree in English from Northern Michigan University and then a master’s degree in English from Michigan State University. For over 33 years, John taught in Northern Michigan University’s English Department, while at the same time writing and publishing numerous short stories and receiving literary awards and recognition for his work. He was a recipient of the prestigious Chautauqua Literary Award which recognizes established authors writing in English. In 1989, he published a book of short stories, Night Driving (William Morrow). Although a modest man, John’s influence, through his teaching and writing, was widespread. In 1989, he was honored with the Distinguished Faculty Award at Northern Michigan University.
John was a member of St. Peter Cathedral and a member in good standing of Tony DePetro’s fishing camp and Uncle Charlie’s hunting camp. He was also a frequent member of Tony’s coffee “gang”, where problems of the world were either solved or tabled until the next session.
John’s family always came first, and his greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. In his leisure, he enjoyed attending his grandson, Johnny’s motocross races, fishing, bird hunting, canoeing, telling tales, writing stories, working in the garden as well as traveling. He also found time to write five novels.
Survivors include his wife, Elaine (Bleau) VandeZande, whom he married July 30, 1960 at St. Peter Cathedral; his children, John C. (Tina) VandeZande and Audrey (Kelley) Stanley both of Marquette, and Jeff (Jennifer) VandeZande of Bay City; three grandchildren, Johnny Charles, Maxwell Rodney, and Emerson Rose VandeZande; two sisters-in-law, Rita VandeZande of Negaunee and Rose (Walter) Fritz of Lake Wylie, SC; a brother-in-law, William (Phyllis) Bleau of Negaunee; several nieces and nephews, among them a cherished niece, Pamela (Joe) Hutchens of Austin, TX; and special nephew, Blaine (Jackie) Andresen of Gwinn. John was preceded in death by his parents; a step-father, Robert Smith; two brothers, Charles “Buddy” and Harold “Butch” VandeZande; and numerous other family members.
Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 30, from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 pm in St. Peter Cathedral with Rev. Msgr. Louis Cappo, Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick, and Rev. Lawrence Gauthier as con-celebrants. A reception for family and friends will follow in Cathedral Hall.
Pallbearers will be grandson, Johnny VandeZande, and friends, George Bourdage, Tony DePetro, Joe McCarthy, Walter “Chick” Koski, Ivan Fairfield, Neal Green, Gerry Waite, and Andy Ellefson. Honorary pallbearer will be Denny Duquette.
Burial will be made in the Northland Chapel Gardens.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the caring oncology nurses and staff at Marquette General Hospital, in particular Dr. Aaron Scholnik, PA, Patti Rose-Liana and John’s personal physician, Dr. Marc Himes for their many kindnesses extended to John and his family during his illness. A special thanks also to the many friends who supported the family emotionally throughout John’s seven-month ordeal, especially Margaret and George Bourdage, for their love, concern, and care that sustained the family throughout this difficult time.
John, the creator and author of literary works now returns to the Author of Life….it’s been a great story!
John’s family requests that donations be made to the John VandeZande Memorial Fund at Northern Michigan University. The proceeds will establish an annual award entitled the John VandeZande Award for Short Fiction. Donations should be sent directly to the NMU Foundation Office, Northern Michigan University, 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855.