Adrian Dean Vander Jagt

Dean passed away on Monday, May 1, 2023 with his loving family at his side. He was born April 22, 1930 in Manton, Michigan to the late Bert and Christina (Grashuis) Vander Jagt. Dean grew up in Cadillac, Michigan and eventually moved to Grand Rapids where he went to work for Kilpatrick and Martin helping to design and sell large equipment for the automotive industry. In the early 1970’s he moved to the Saginaw Bay area where he started his business designing special machine tools for the automotive industry. In June 1984 he married the love of his life, Darlene (Reed). He and Darlene founded New Century Heaters, a company that he ran until selling it in 2020 at the age of 90.

Dean is survived by his wife, Darlene A. Vander Jagt; children, Lynn Cook, Bruce (Tina) Vander Jagt, Adrian D. “Chip” (Georgann) Vander Jagt Jr., Annette Vander Jagt, Laurie Covieo (Eric Spiegelberg), Kristen (John M. IV) Peterman and Molly Vander Jagt; grandchildren, Lori (Scott) Brown, Emily (Greg) Tittle, Marnie Cook, Kit, Kyl, Zak, Spencer, Andrea, Case and Megan (Billie) Vander Jagt, Sean Krouse, Vaughn Alexander, Joy, Jannah, Justice and John M. Peterman V; thirteen great grandchildren; one great great grandson; sister, Joan Blystone and his sister-in-law, Dorla Vander Jagt. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his brother, Henry Vander Jagt; sister, Jeanne Vander Molen and his grandson, Morgan Peterman.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Sheffield Bay and Cardinal Hospice, especially Lisa and Angie for the compassion and care that they gave to Dean.

A memorial service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at the Gephart Funeral Home. Officiating will be Rev. Charles Campbell. Visitation will take place from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. Memorial cards for Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation will be available at the funeral home.