Daniel R. Vander Ark went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, January 11, 2025, while surrounded by his family.

Dan was born in Ellsworth, Michigan, on November 5, 1941, to Willard and Mina June Vander Ark. He was the oldest of four children, followed by Ron, Diane, and Mary. In his family and small community, Dan learned the value of hard work, community service, and most importantly, a firm faith in God. Church, home, and school were the foundation stones of life in the Vander Ark family, and the sacrifice made to provide a Christian education formed a life passion for Dan.

After high school, Dan attended Calvin College where he met his wife Judy (Smith). While at Calvin, Dan participated in several sports and was active in student government. In 1963, he graduated with a degree in English and their 61-year marriage began several weeks later when they were married in Iowa. The new couple moved to Holland, Michigan, where Dan taught English at Holland Christian for 20 years before becoming High School Principal for 10 years. In 1966, after welcoming their first daughter Carmen to the family, they spent a year in Lincoln, Nebraska, where Dan would complete his first Master’s degree, an M.A. in English. Upon returning to Holland, they welcomed a second child, Julie, to the family in 1968.

Sons, Brent, in 1972, and Jon, in 1975, were added to their growing family. Dan enjoyed coaching, serving as both a high school basketball and tennis coach for years. In the summers, Dan joined his fellow teachers in a painting crew for extra income. In 1983, Dan transitioned his career in education to administration when he was named the Principal at Holland Christian High School. Soon after, he completed his second Masters, this time in Educational Leadership & Administration, at Western Michigan in 1986. Dan served as Principal at Holland Christian for 10 years before moving to Christian Schools International (CSI), where he would serve as Executive Director. He traveled throughout the United States and abroad, overseeing and encouraging Christian school teachers and administrators. Upon retiring from CSI in 2005, Dan served as a consultant to a number of Christian schools around North America, most recently NorthPointe Christian in Grand Rapids, where he has served for more than 15 years.

Dan had a passion for his family, his faith, Christian education, writing, and sports. He was an active member of local churches in Holland and Grand Rapids. He, along with Judy, shared their faith with their children and grandchildren often. He dedicated more than 60 years to serving in Christian education, influencing countless numbers of schools and lives through his contributions. Dan’s passion for writing characterized his career and included articles for teachers and parents as well as contributions to periodicals. He continued loving sports, running, and following his grandchildren’s most recent successes.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Mina June, brother-in-law Dale McKenzie, brother-in-law Fred Taylor, and grandson, Christian. He is survived by his loving wife, Judy; children, Carmen (Curt) Blankespoor, Julie (Brent) Hoover, Brent (Betty) Vander Ark, and Jon (Amy) Vander Ark; siblings: Ron (Allison) Vander Ark, Diane McKenzie, Mary Taylor; grandchildren: Mitch (Janel) Blankespoor, Jenna (Jon) Maggio, Emily (Ethan) Clark, Sidney (Alex) Cartwright, Austin (Paris) Hoover, Taylor Hoover, Anna Hoover, Kate Hoover, William (Meghan) Vander Ark, Jackson (Bella) Vander Ark, Owen Vander Ark, James Vander Ark, Fin Vander Ark, Darby Vander Ark; great-grandchildren: Jesalyn and Tyus Blankespoor, Blake and Rowan Clark, Adele Vander Ark, and many loved nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Christ Church, 2500 Breton Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, 49546. The service will be broadcast live and available on the Zaagman obituary page for Dan. Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery for family only. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Thursday, January 16 from 5-8 pm at Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton SE, Grand Rapids, 49546). Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Holland Christian Schools, NorthPointe Christian Schools, or another Christian school of their choosing. Condolences may be sent online on MLive or the Zaagman website.