Stuart Samuel Vander Heide, age 83, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026. He was born to Anne and Jan S. Vander Heide on October 18, 1942.

Stuart attended Grand Rapids Christian High School before completing undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan and Calvin University. He later earned a master's degree in business from Western Michigan University. His education provided a strong foundation for a career that reflected both his intelligence and his dedication.

For many years, Stuart worked alongside his father and his brother John at Holland American Wafer Company, the family business, where he devoted himself until his retirement in 2005. Following his retirement, he found great joy serving on the board of Schulze & Burch Biscuit Company.

Stuart was deeply committed to leadership in his community and industry, including more than 25 years of service on the Grand Rapids Symphony board. Additionally, he was a founding member of the Economic Club of Grand Rapids and served as board chairman from 1985–86. Over the years, he also held board positions at numerous other organizations, including Aero Med, Butterworth Hospital, the Biscuit and Cracker Manufacturers' Association, Calvin College Oratorio Society, Grand Rapids Economic Development Corporation, Paul B. Henry Foundation, Pine Rest Christian Hospital, Van Andel Institute Hope on the Hill Foundation, and the YMCA.

Faith was an important part of Stuart's life. He and his wife, Nelleke, were members of Woodlawn Christian Reformed Church for more than 58 years, where Stuart sang in the choir and enjoyed worship and fellowship with his church family.

Stuart was a man of many interests and talents, with a particular love of music and performance and an appreciation for the beauty and discipline they required. He was a proud member of the University of Michigan Glee Club. His other interests included skiing, boating, videography, and traveling, especially trips to the Netherlands.

Stuart will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and warm smile. He cherished his family deeply and was known for his devotion to those relationships throughout his life. Stuart will also be fondly remembered for his playful nature. He filled his children's bedtimes with stories of Barry the Bird and Allie the Alligator, nursery rhymes, and songs, always ending with "Feed My Lambs" and "Now I Lay Me" in both Dutch and English. Years later, as Opa, he continued these same traditions with his grandchildren.

Stuart is survived by his wife of 59 wonderful years, Nelleke Vander Heide; his children, Laura and Mark Staal, Stuart J. and Christie Vander Heide, Derek and Rachael Vander Heide, and Paul and Amanda Vander Heide; 17 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his sister, Barbara Hammond. He was preceded in death by his brother, John S. Vander Heide; his sister, Joan Jansma; his brothers-in-law, Maurits Willem Westerhuis, Jan Westerhuis, and Lee Hammond; and his sister-in-law, Jane Vander Heide.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 28 at Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids) from 5 to 8 p.m. And a memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 29 at Calvin University Chapel (1845 Knollcrest Cir SE, Grand Rapids) at 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice. Any gifts made in Stuart's honor will be designated to the Music Therapy Department, a cause that was especially meaningful to him and his family.