Melvin Vander Galien

Melvin Vander Galien, age 85 of Randolph, entered his heavenly home, on Thursday, November 28, 2013 at Golden Years Living Center in Randolph.
A memorial service will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, December 7, at First Reformed Church, 406 S. High Street, Randolph with Rev. Tim Ehrhardt officiating. A private family burial will take place in Randolph Cemetery.

Mel’s family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 – 7 P.M. at Randolph Community Funeral Home, 208 S. High Street, Randolph.
Memorials in Mel’s name may be directed to Randolph Christian School, 457 Second St. Randolph and Hillside Hospice, 707 S. University Drive, Beaver Dam, WI 53916.

Mel’s family is deeply grateful for all the prayers, visits and kindnesses shown to Mel throughout his final journey. We also thank the staff of Golden Years and Hillside Hospice for their loving care.

Melvin was born on April 18, 1928 in the village of Friesland, the son of William and Elizabeth (Jansma) Vander Galien. On September 1, 1949, he was united in marriage to Ann Huizenga at the Second Christian Reformed Church in Randolph. He owned and operated Mel’s Electric Motor Repair for 48 years, retiring in 1997. Mel enjoyed many outdoor activities including deer hunting, fishing, and camping. Snowmobiling was a favorite winter activity, and he was instrumental in establishing local snowmobile trails. Mel had an interest in and collected antique radios. Mel was a quiet, humble man whose life revolved around faith and family. He was a member of the First Reformed Church in Randolph.

Mel is survived by his four children: Ellen Vander Galien, Randolph; Melinda (Harlyn) DeBoer, Waunakee, Cornelius “Casey” (Dawn) Vander Galien, Danville, IN, Alice (Tom) Buderer, Beaver Dam, his daughter-in-law, Kelly Vander Galien, Randolph, twelve grandchildren: Jeremy (Mandi) Vander Galien; Jennifer (Travis) Pohl, Shanna Vander Galien, Tiffany Momanyi, Thomas and Duke Vander Galien, Michael (Stacy) DeBoer, Sharon (Andy) Kleist, Cale (Stephanie) Zomer, Kaysha Zomer, Kevin and Jasmine Buderer, eleven great-grandchildren: Peter, James, Cooper, Daniel, Annie, Emmie, Jeter, Mac, Maisey, Caden, Amalia, and expecting baby boy Kleist. He is also survived by his sister, Catherine Vande Zande, Grand Rapids, MI, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ann, in 2006, his son, Wendell, in 2007, and two brothers: Sid and Cornelius Vander Galien.