Duane Allen VanderHorst

Duane Allen VanderHorst of Portage, MI passed on to glory on Thursday, August 5, 2021, at the age of 85. He was born on Friday, September 27, 1935, in Kalamazoo, MI the son of Peter VanderHorst and Katherine TenBrink. Duane graduated from Portage Central in 1954. Soon afterwards, he joined the United States Navy and served until 1957. On April 7, 1961 he married the love of his life Judyth Badham in the Milwood Christian Reformed Church in Kalamazoo, MI. He worked at the Upjohn Company from 1970 until he retired in 1996. During his retirement he enjoyed woodworking and his 1966 Ford Mustang, the other love of his life. He and his family attended Portage Christian Reformed Church, Vicksburg Bible Church, and Texas Corners Bible Church. One of the highlights of Duane’s life was a missionary trip he took to Siberia to distribute Bibles. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother: Dennis VanderHorst. Left to cherish his loving memory is his wife of 60 years: Judyth “Badham” VanderHorst; children: Douglas (Gerriann) VanderHorst and Darla (Tim) Sheppard; grandchildren: Erin (Tyler) Horton, Derek (Kendall) VanderHorst, Bethany McGuffin, Benjamin (Maggie) Sheppard; great grandchild: Logan Kaye McGuffin; sister: Darlene Miller; and nieces and nephews. Due to covid restrictions, a service and visitation will not be held at this time. A private graveside service will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery for the family. Memorial contributions made in Duane’s memory may be directed to the Battle Creek VA Medical Center, Community and Volunteer Service (135), 5500 Armstrong Road, Battle Creek, MI 49037 or Texas Corners Bible Church, 7780 S. 8th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. While visiting Duane’s tribute page please take a moment to light a candle or share a memory with the family. The VanderHorst family is being assisted by Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. 269-679-5622.