Ronald Lee VanDyke

Ronald Lee VanDyke, 87, of Battle Creek, Michigan, died peacefully Thursday, September 4, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He was born December 11, 1937, in Holland, Michigan. He was the second of three siblings. He was the son of Arthur and Elsie (Wybinga) VanDyke.

Ron worked at Pennfield Schools, retiring in 1998 after serving 34 years as a teacher of physical education and coach. He also enjoyed his summer career as a painter for Starr Commonwealth.

Ron married Ruth Elaine Arendsen on June 17, 1960. They were blessed with forty-three years of marriage, four children, five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Ronda VanDyke of Battle Creek, Sandra (Ron) Fox of Marshall, Michael (Jeanine) VanDyke of Holland, and Jack (Amy) VanDyke of Battle Creek. Also surviving are his sister Carol Scherpinsky of Holland, grandchildren Andrew (Jamie) Fox of South Carolina, Jacob (Haley) Fox of Suttons Bay, Aaron (Cambrae) Fox of South Bend, Dylan (Bailee) VanDyke of Jenison, Shelby VanDyke of Holland, and 5 great grandchildren Alice, Annie, Aiden, Emery, and Reggie.

Ron enjoyed hunting, watching the Tigers and Lions games, traveling, especially riding his motorcycle with his son Jack, and watching his grandchildren play sports. Ron was a long-time member of the Battle Creek Christian Reformed Church; he loved the Lord, his family, including the four-legged ones, and a healthy assortment of candy bars!

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Battle Creek where services to Celebrate Ron’s Life will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The service will be Live-streamed and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/event/5361306. Memorials may be directed to the ALS Association Michigan Chapter.