Edward John Vandersluis

Edward John Vander Sluis, Jr., "Butch", 66, of Vermilion, died Thursday, May 21, 009 at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born July 16, 1942 in Cleveland. He lived in Avon Lake and graduated from Avon Lake High School in 1961. He moved to Vermilion and has been a 30 year resident. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served for 6 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #397 and an active life member of AMVETS Post #22 in Vermilion. He served on multiple committees and in many positions as a Post Officer as well as Post Commander for 2002/2004. In addition he was the AMVETS 13th District Commander for 2004/2006. He had the honor of being appointed the Captain of the State of Ohio AMVETS All-State Post Commander's Award in 2003. Through his 8 years of volunteerism at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky, he was a strong advocate of veterans welfare where he served as the AMVETS state representative to the VAVS/Veterans Welfare Program providing direct service to our hospitalized veterans "the Forgotten Veteran" . He also served on the Vermilion Veterans Council Honor Guard. He worked for Kuntz and Joyce Trucking, Lorain, Jefferson Trucking, and retired from Consolidated Freight Systems. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and former member of the Teamsters Local # 571. He was an avid NASCARand Dale Earnhardt fan and enjoyed sports especially the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, and Indians. Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Barbara (nee Berlo) Vander Sluis; sons, Brandon (Susan) Vander Sluis of Elyria, Nathan (Lacey) Vander Sluis of Bradenton, FL; step daughter, Michele Horner of Vermilion; step son, Richard McCreery serving in US Navy; 3 step grandchildren, Gretchen, Jacob and Emma; and his brother, Fred (Sandy) Vander Sluis of Vermilion. Preceding him in death were parents Edward John and Christine (nee Geel) Vander Sluis; his sister, Patsy Vander Sluis; and his brother, Robert Vander Sluis. The family will receive friends on Monday, May 25, 2009 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Services will be held on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3747 Liberty Avenue, Vermilion. The Reverend Terry Parker, pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in Brownhelm Cemetery. The Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church Vermilion, 3747 Liberty Avenue, Vermilion, OH 44089 or the Ohio Veterans Home, (memo VAVS program), 3416 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com