Nelson Gerard Van Leeuwen, age 92, left on his greatest adventure to meet his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 29. Nelson was the son of the late Neil and Alice Van Leeuwen of Spring Lake, Michigan, where he resided until 1999.

Nelson set out on his first of many adventures in 1952, joining the United States Marine Corps. Serving his country proudly as a guard at the U.S. Pentagon, he also guarded President Eisenhower at Camp David. After leaving the Marine Corps, he returned home to marry Carol Anne Kieft, start a family, and spend 40 wonderful years together.

Nelson’s career in aggregates and materials began at Construction Aggregates Company, where he was Vice President of Sales. He later continued as President of Verplank Trucking and Dock, where he retired in 1997.

From a young age, Nelson had a passion for hunting and fishing. He enjoyed trapping muskrat on the Grand River, fishing the Great Lakes and Canada, as well as ocean fishing. His hunting adventures took him across North America and around the world, including New Zealand, Australia, Africa, and many provinces of Canada. Although he enjoyed big game hunting, his favorite times were spent bird and duck hunting with his dogs.

Nelson was a member of Spoonville Gun Club, the Masons, a charter member of Safari Club in southwest Michigan, Ducks Unlimited, Whitetail Unlimited, the American Legion, and Rotary Club throughout his lifetime.

Nelson also loved to read, cook, garden, and make homemade wines. Most of all, he cherished time spent with family and friends. Nelson had a big personality and was loved by many.

After the passing of Carol, Nelson was blessed again with marriage to Dawn Deiters. They shared a life together in Hersey, Michigan, where they lived peacefully for the remainder of his years.

Nelson will be missed by his loving wife of 28 years, Dawn Marie nee Deiters Van Leeuwen; his two children, Luke Van Leeuwen of Twin Lake,  Michigan, and Marti (Brad) Knudson of Northbrook, Illinois; stepchildren Shawn (Carrie) Moore of Mansfield, Texas, and Michele (Lewie) Hull of St. Johns, Michigan; his five grandchildren, Melissa Van Leeuwen and Peyton Allen, Zachary, Nicole, and Kara Knudson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Alice (Groendyke) Van Leeuwen; his brother, Ollie (Alma Geerling) Van Leeuwen; sisters Thelma (Marvin) Bottema and Margaret (Jack) Katt; and his granddaughter, Madelyn Marie.

Visitation with the family will be held at Pruitt Livingston Funeral Home on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

A celebration of life for Nelson will take place at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at All Shores Wesleyan Church in Spring Lake, Michigan. Full military honors will be performed by the American Legion. Private family interment will be at Spring Lake Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to The Comfort Home Hospice