WILLIAM VANRYSWYK JR.

William “Bill” VanRyswyk Jr., 82, of Benton Harbor, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2025, at his residence.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service was held May 28, 2025, at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bill may be made to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Schools in St. Joseph or to Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.

Bill was born Jan. 22, 1943, in Roseland, IL to William and Nellie (VenDenNess) VanRyswyk Sr. He was the Benton Township Public Works Director for over 40 years. Bill was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion, and the Coloma Rod and Gun Club. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and outdoor enthusiast that enjoyed being on Paw Paw Lake with his buddies. He truly loved family celebrations and was always elated as the family grew.

Bill is survived by his wife Dorothy “Dot Moe” (Motry) whom he married Jan. 22, 1965; three daughters, Charlotte “Chan” (Craig) Marzke of St. Joseph, Dawn (Tom) Utendorf of Leesburg, VA, Julie (Cary) Pender of St. Joseph; and a son Billy (Christi) VanRyswyk III of Malakoff, TX. Also surviving is his sister Sharron (Rod) Krieger of Coloma, 12 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his father William VanRyswyk Sr. and his mother, Nellie Keesler.