Wayne Burton Van Wylen, age 96, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. Wayne lived his entire life in Grand Rapids. He graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School and Calvin College before receiving a Master's degree from Michigan State University. He married the love of his life Barbara Dekker on May 21, 1951, enjoying 67 years of married life. He and Barbara had two children, Kris (Bruce Vande Vusse) and Tom (Mary); six grandchildren - Scott, Jessica, Julie, and Bradley Vande Vusse and John and Blake Van Wylen; and ten great-grandchildren – Marin, Cade, Aila, Hadley, and Finn Vande Vusse and Emmeline, Lucy, Liana, Willem, and Roman Van Wylen. Wayne was a man of deep faith, unwavering generosity, and quiet strength, he dedicated his life to serving others and cherishing time with his loved ones. He also found joy and purpose in volunteering with a variety of organizations throughout his life. Even in his later years, as his health declined, he remained committed to helping others—most recently volunteering with Holland Home. His life was a testament to compassion in action. One of Wayne's greatest pleasures was spending time at the family cottage on Lake Michigan with his beloved wife, Barbara, and their family. Those cherished moments, filled with laughter, love, and the peaceful rhythm of the lake, brought him immense joy. He was a devoted member of the Christian Reformed Church, having been a long-standing member of Mayfair Christian Reformed Church before joining Calvin Christian Reformed Church later in life. His faith was the foundation of his life and guided everything he did.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and quiet wisdom and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, with visitation one hour prior to the service from 10 – 11 AM. Memorial gifts may be made to Holland Home Resident Assistance Fund or to the Holland Home Foundation.