Virgil Dean Vander Sloot passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025 while surrounded by his family. While his long journey with Alzheimer’s disease slowly eroded his health and memories, his love of family, his quick wit and endearing smile, and his innate drive to stay busy never dimmed.
Virg was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 1, 1943 to Gardie and Clara (Droog) Vander Sloot. The third boy in a family of seven children, he often found creative ways to garner attention. That spark and love of life never diminished and he spread joy to those around him. He was a hard worker who believed in always doing his best and honoring his commitments. He worked at Kelvinator after high school, and then spent most of his career working for Steelcase. When not at work, Virg loved working with his hands; from building toy chests for his grandchildren or wooden cars for Samaritan’s Purse to helping with home projects, he loved staying busy. Virg was a lover of animals, especially dogs, and would never pass up the opportunity to play with any dog he came in contact with. His love of music and his ability to dance to any beat are memories his family greatly cherishes.
Virg was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother Mattie Dooper, his older brothers and sister-in-law Melvin (Loretta) and Francis Vander Sloot, and his younger brother Richard Vander Sloot and sister-in-law Phyllis Vander Sloot. He is survived by the love of his life, Eleanor, his three children, Steve (Dawn) Vander Sloot, Julie (Brian) Mesman, and Cathy (Mike) DeLange, his brothers Roger Vander Sloot and Barry (Vicki) Vander Sloot, his sister Alice (Larry) Bakale, along with his twelve grandchildren, two great granddaughters, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family from 10-11 a.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025 at Ada Christian Reformed Church. Funeral services will begin at 11. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed at https://ada.church/livestream.
The family invites you to join them for a light lunch following the service.
3 Responses
Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family’s peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Dear Eleanor, Steve, Julie and Cathy, our deepest sympathy pours out to you as you say goodbye to him. We are sorry we won’t be there to celebrate his life with you and the rest of the family. Pete remembers Virg with his “quirky” smile, he was always warm and welcoming to those he met. May you experience God’s peace and comfort as you face this coming week. Pete and Linda Droog
I met Virgil at Porter Hills. He was such a kind man. I often walked with him and showed him his room. I’m glad to know that he is free and with the lord. May God bless his family.