Andrew D. Vandevelde

Andrew D. Vandevelde

May 7, 1933 – July 22, 2024

Andrew Vandevelde, age 91, of Monroe, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the Alice Lorraine Care Center.

Born May 7, 1933, in Monroe, Michigan, he was the son of the late Firmin and Irma (Willaert) Vandevelde. Andrew attended St. Mary Elementary School and went on to work at his family’s dairy farm delivering milk. On one of his deliveries to the Independent Dairy, he met Shirley Shankleton and in July 1954, they were married. Together they raised three children. Andrew made his living working for Tecumseh Products, before retiring in 1994, and was a member of St. Michael Church.

Andrew loved spending time with his family and cherished his grandchildren. He enjoyed a good hamburger but with no cheese or mayo. Andrew was a part of the Burger King Morning Coffee Club.  He enjoyed antique tractor shows and concerts at St. Mary Park. Andrew liked to drive his pickup and was proud of his perfect driving record, with over 70 years of driving, he never got a traffic ticket or had an accident. He will be truly missed by all that loved and knew him.

To cherish his memory, Andrew leaves his loving wife of 70 years, Shirley; three children: Michael (Laurie) Vandevelde, Deborah Jacobs, and Lois (Mark) Kubik; a sister: Mary Laroy; eight grandchildren: Jill, Jamie, Ben, Lindsay, Alex, Kyle, Nathan, and Corey; eight great grandchildren, with one on the way.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a son- in-law, Craig Jacobs, and a brother-in-law, Gustave Laroy.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial gathering on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 10 AM at St. Michael's Catholic Church, and a memorial mass to follow at 11 AM.  Andrew's final resting place will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, and will be inurned at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Andrew are suggested to St. Michael's Catholic Church. 

Online condolences may be sent to www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com