Bernerd "Bernie" LeRoy VanZanten

Bernerd “Bernie” LeRoy VanZanten, age 78 of Hesperia, passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025 at his home.  He was born on October 3, 1946 in Fremont, Michigan to Bernard “Ben” & Violet (Merriman) VanZanten.  Bernie was a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam Era and a member of the American Legion.  He had been a small engine repairman & welder, and he was also a member of the White Cloud Eagles #4170.  Bernie and his wife Sue enjoyed riding their GoldWing motorcycles, and they were members of the GWRRA GoldWing Motorcycle Club Chapter N from North Muskegon and were honored as the 2016 Couple of the Year.  Bernie participated in many mini modified tractor pulls where he won lots of trophies, and he enjoyed riding his Cushman Motor Scooter in parades.  He also liked to scuba dive and tinker in his garage.  He played electric guitar in a band when he was younger and he found a new love in karaoke, so much so that he had a fan club on a recent cruise.  On February 29, 1992 he married Susan “Sue” Wright and she preceded him in death on February 19, 2017.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, Ben & Violet VanZanten; 2 sisters & their husbands:  Nancy & Jim Twigg, Carol & Don Frens; and by his sisters-in-law & brothers-in-law:  Linda & her husband Darrel Frees, Ruth Walker, Bonnie Fairchild, & William Wright.    Bernie is survived by his daughter, Marcella (Tom) Dever; 2 granddaughters:  Maisie (Justin) Dowty, Jackie Dever; 2 great-grandchildren, Liam & Hazyl.  He is also survived by his special nephews & niece:  Jimmy, Jerry, Jeff, & Jody; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law:  Richard (Barbara) Wright, Joseph (Lorna) Wright, Joseph Fairchild, Karen Wright, and by their families; 2 great friends, Peggy Perigo & Bill Cagle; and by his fur baby, Midnight.  Cremation has taken place, and a Military Honors Graveside Service will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, June 20, 2025 at West Hesperia Cemetery.  A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the Hesperia American Legion Post #411.  Suggested Memorial:  Bellwether Harbor.  You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com.  Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.

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