Don VanderJagt Memorial
Donald VanderJagt, former Jenison school board member and Grand Valley professor, died Tuesday
by Nardy Baeza Bickel | The Grand Rapids Press
Tuesday March 10, 2009, 10:08 PM
GEORGETOWN TOWNSHIP — Former Jenison Public Schools trustee and Grand Valley State University professor Donald VanderJagt died today. He was 71.
Donald VanderJagtMr. VanderJagt was a retired math professor at GVSU and former GVSU faculty representative to the NCAA and Great lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Those who worked with him said Mr. VanderJagt’s commitment to education was evident both in his 24 years of work with the Jenison district and GVSU
“Don enjoyed a good joke. I loved his laugh, he had a big, full laugh. When things had to be serious, he was serious. He was a good-natured person,” recalled Jenison trustee Craig Jenison.
“He was a tremendous man and a great educator,” agreed district Superintendent Thomas TenBrink. “He was an excellent board member, passionate about Jenison schools.”
GVSU Athletic Director Tim Selgo said Mr. VanderJagt was the perfect bridge between academics and sports for the college’s athletes. For two years, Mr. VanderJagt was president of the association representing all NCAA faculty representatives from around the country, a very prestigious position, he said.
“We were fortunate to have someone with his experience and judgment as faculty representative,” Selgo said.
“He was always very good about overseeing the academics of our student athletes, making sure they were making progress toward a degree. He was a good person and wonderful to work with.”
Mr. VanderJagt is survived by his wife, Barb, four children and several grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home.
To listen to Don’s Memorial Service, please follow this link: Don VanderJagt Memorial Service
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VANDERJAGT - Donald W. VanderJagt, age 71, of Jenison, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, March 10, 2009. He was born on February 25, 1938 in Muskegon to Clarence and Beatrice VanderJagt. Don loved his family dearly and adored his grandchildren. His memory will be cherished by his wife, Barbara (Sonnega) VanderJagt; his children and grandchildren, Dr. Nancy and Doug MacDonald (Rachel, Doug, and Michael), Susan and John Fullington (William and Wesley), Dr. Rebecca and Eric Slotegraaf (Claire and Emily), Doug and Dr. Dorothy VanderJagt (Dylan); sister, Carol and George Schaalma and their daughter Sandra and Don North; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Orville and Nelly Elema, Russell and Marie Stults. Dr. VanderJagt graduated from Hope College in 1959, received his Masters in Mathematics from Florida State University and his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Western Michigan University. As well as Professor Emeritus at Grand Valley State University where he taught for 42 years, he also taught at Central College in Iowa for 2 years. At the community level, he served as chairman of the Math Department for 25 years and Faculty Representative to the Athletic Department at Grand Valley State University. He was President of FARA for the NCAA Division I, II, III. He also served on the Jenison Public School Board for 24 years, and as president for 8 years. Dr. VanderJagt was a member of Central Reformed Church where he sang in the choir and was actively involved in the RCA. He was the past president of South Grand Rapids Classis and the Regional Synod of the Great Lakes. Funeral services will be held Saturday 11:00 a.m. at Central Reformed Church, 10 College Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, with Dr. Louis Lotz officiating. Interment Georgetown Township Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Dr. Donald and Barbara VanderJagt Mathematics and Athletics Scholarship at Grand Valley State University or Addie’s Food Pantry of Central Reformed Church. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville), 4145 Chicago Drive. Condolences may be sent online at: http://www.mkdfuneralhome.com. Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf
I am delighted to have known Don. He was a wonderful person and I am blessed to have been in his presence.