Former Wayland state trooper Darrell Vander Ark dies at 72

Former Michigan State Police Trooper Darrell D. Vander Ark, 72, of Byron Center, died Saturday, June 20 after a year struggle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Darrell retired from the Michigan State Police Wayland post after 25 years of service, then owned and operated D’Arks Pizza for 10 years. Later, he traveled around the country driving a motor coach for tour groups

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Carol (Sweeris); four children, Duke (Lori) Vander Ark, Lisa (Terry) Smith, Julie Vander Ark, and Darrin (Valerie) Vander Ark; 12 grandchildren, Alex, Danielle and Zak (Emarie) Vander Ark, Lexie and Shelby Smith, Samantha and Joshua Nelmark, Jenn (Jon) Lesco, Mitchell and Michael Vander Ark, Makayla Read and Dalton Vander Ark; three great-grandchildren, Peyton, Bailie and Camden. Other survivors include his brothers, Con (Mary) Vander Ark, Steven (Dawn) Vander Ark; sister-in-law, Renee Vander Ark; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Les (Bonnie) Sweeris, Will (Joan) Sweeris and Joy (Eric) Knurr; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Anne Vander Ark and brother, Robert.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, at Providence Christian Reformed Church, 7730 Eastern Ave. SE. with visitation prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. Pastor Bob Boersma will be officiating and interment will be at Winchester Cemetery.

In memory of Darrell, contributions may be made to the Darrell and Carol Vander Ark Christian Foundation.