Matthew VanderMolen

There are times in life when tragedy strikes, leaving behind nothing but resounding questions that echo within the very depths of our soul. Although the death of Matthew VanderMolen has both shocked and crippled us, we remember that his death was the ultimate display of love for the son who was the center of his world. He cherished each day and loved the quote, “yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift, that is why it is called the present.” Matt lived his life in light of this notion as he was vibrant, fun loving, and so full of life with every breath he took. Life will never be the same without him here, but Matthew’s spirit will live on in some way in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

The eighties were a time unlike any other in American history. This was the decade that introduced us to camcorders, aerobics, and minivans and with a heart for America’s youth, President Ronald Regan declared a war on drugs. We sang along with Michael Jackson’s “Bad,” watched Patrick Swayze heat up the dance floor in Dirty Dancing and with our introduction to Homer Simpson, the cultural fabric of our nation would never be the same. It seems only fitting that Matthew’s story begins during this decade that was as colorful as he was. It was on August 26, 1987, that Daniel and Amy (Kribbet) VanderMolen welcomed their healthy baby boy into their hearts and home. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Matthew Henry was the oldest of three children in his family including his sisters, Marlee and Elli. His father worked as a stock broker while his mother was an antique dealer.

In many ways, Matthew experienced a childhood that was rather typical for children of his generation. He attended local schools including Shawmut Elementary, Riverbend Elementary, Cummings Elementary, Grandville Middle School, and Grandville High School. Matt began playing hockey at a young age, playing both on school teams and through the Grand Rapids Area Hockey Association (GRAHA). He played during his later years for the Grand Rapids Grizzlies. Matt enjoyed fun-filled vacations with his family to destinations such as Disney World, the Florida Keys, and camping trips to Ludington. Great memories were also made at the family cottage on Rose Lake where Matt loved to fish and snowboard during the winter months.

A true outdoor enthusiast, Matt’s love for various outdoor activities was born when he was a young boy. He loved to fish whenever he could and was almost always more successful than most. Matthew went on countless fishing trips through the years and usually out fished everyone he was with. He also frequently went deer hunting with his father and had many trophy bucks to show for his efforts. In fact, Matt even bagged a ten point trophy buck on Thanksgiving Day when he was just 15 years old. Father and son took regular hunting and fishing trips together including trips to Iowa, Southern Illinois and Canada. Matt was a natural when it came to hunting as he was equally adept at using both a gun and a bow, and he hunted for both deer and turkey. He always had a taste for any wild game, fish, squirrel, and of course his beloved venison. Trapping Coyote and Fox was a recent activity in the last three years.

After graduating from high school in 2006, Matthew got a job at the Coca-Cola bottling plant on Butterworth Street. He initially worked as a delivery driver to area stores and later in the warehouse. Matt also took classes at Grand Rapids Community College. Matt wholeheartedly applied himself to whatever he was doing and didn’t shy away from working hard.

Life was forever changed on August 9, 2007, when Matt became a father to his precious son, Jaxon. From that moment on his son became the most important part of his life, and he spent every moment with him that he could. Even though Jaxon was only three years old, Matt was already passing on some of the fundamentals of hunting and fishing.

In addition to outdoor activities, Matt was a young man with a diverse palette of interests. He was into music and enjoyed bands like Blink-182, Breaking Benjamin, 30 Seconds To Mars, and the Chevelles. With a lifelong love for hockey, Matt was an avid Red Wings fan who attended several games and many Grand Rapids Griffins games. He was funny, adventurous, and even a bit free-spirited, and it showed in everything he did.

With what would seem to be the best years of his life still to come, Matthew VanderMolen was taken from his family and friends much too soon. Through his life we learn that it isn’t really the things in life that matter, but it is in the way we love those around us that we are richly blessed. Although he loved being out in the woods or wherever he could have a fishing rod in his hand, Matt was always happiest whenever his friends or family members were near. We know we will miss him dearly, but we will honor his zest for life by making the most of each new day. The memories he made will remain forever near and dear to all our hearts.

Matthew H. VanderMolen of Grand Rapids died on Sunday, May 29, 2011. Matt’s family includes his son, Jaxon VanderMolen; his parents, Daniel and Amy VanderMolen; his sisters, Marlee and Elli VanderMolen; his grandparents, Donald and Judy VanderMolen, Jane Kribbet; Jaxon’s mother, Alexandra Timmers; and several aunts and uncles and many friends. Cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate Matthew’s life will be held on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m., June 3, 2011 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Relatives and friends may meet his family at the funeral home on Friday from 5:00 p.m. until the service begins. Contributions in his memory may be made to Kids Food Basket, 2055 Oak Industrial Drive Suite C Grand Rapids, MI 49505. To sign his guest book and to leave your own memory of him, please visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.