Craig Alan VanDongen

Craig Alan VanDongen, 72, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side on Sunday, July 30, 2023. 

Craig was born on June 1, 1951, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Bruce and Evelyn (Bremer) VanDongen. He grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1969 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserves where he honorably served his country for six years. Craig earned an associate degree from Kellogg Community College. Craig was employed as a printer at HBJ Insurance Company and then as a newspaper pressman at the Battle Creek Enquirer for 25 plus years. After retiring, he enjoyed assembling bikes and grills for retail sale at Meijer.

He attended a Wayseekers Bible study group after high school where he met the love of his life, Becky L. Mackaluso.  Craig married Becky on October 15, 1971, at Level Park Baptist Church. 

Surviving are his wife, Becky, of nearly 52 years; their three children, April (Matthew) Goodwin of Oconomowoc, WI, Cindy (Stephen) Myers of Albion, MI, Tyler (Jessica Arden) VanDongen of Traverse City, MI; one grandson, Connor Goodwin; his brother, Chuck (Joyce) VanDongen of Grand Rapids, MI; his sister, Kathy (Ken) Gregory of Panama City Beach, FL; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. Craig was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Janice “Jan” VanDongen.

Craig was an active member of Covenant Hope Church, where he served as an Elder and Deacon, sang in the choir, played on their volleyball and softball leagues, and was their groundskeeper for 30 years. He was a man with many passions and enjoyed spending time outside biking, sailing, kayaking, camping, and golfing. He was known to many as the resident handyman and loved fixing things. He was a member of the former Battle Creek Jaycees for many years and an Observer for the annual Battle Creek Hot Air Balloon Festival. He volunteered at several organizations such as the Battle Creek Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Bibles for Missions and the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Craig was an avid sports fan of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and  U of M football. Craig will be remembered for his sense of humor and his willingness to help others.

Friends will be received 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Friday, August 4, 2023, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care.  A service to celebrate Craig’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Covenant Hope Church, 1021 Wagner Drive, Battle Creek, MI. Military honors and committal will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Battle Creek Habitat for Humanity, 595 North Ave., Battle Creek, MI, 49017, or Peachy Home Care LLC, 11714 Calendar Road, Battle Creek, MI, 49014. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.