Gary Lee VanHulzen

Passed: February 14, 2022

Gary Lee VanHulzen

Passed: February 14, 2022

Obituary

Gary Lee VanHulzen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, coach, and friend entered into eternal glory on February 14, 2022.

Gary was born on October 16, 1946 in Artesia, California to Gerrit and Annetta VanHulzen. He graduated from Valley Christian High School. A football scholarship brought him to Central College in Pella, Iowa where he earned a teaching degree and met his wife, Mary. They were married in January 1968. Gary spent his career teaching at his alma mater, Valley Christian High School (Cerritos, CA) and at Lynden Christian High School (Lynden, WA). He positively impacted the lives of hundreds of students through both his teaching and coaching. After his retirement, Gary continued to serve others by volunteering at the Whatcom Hospice House, and then serving as chaplain at the Christian Health Care Center in Lynden.

Gary is survived by his dearest wife Mary, and his children: Jennifer (Joel) Gontjes and Jon (Leanne) VanHulzen. He deeply loved each one of his grandchildren: Jaymes (Kendra) Gontjes, Jansen (Amber) Gontjes, Emma Gontjes, Riley VanHulzen, and Ellie VanHulzen. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy (Jerry) Westra, his brother, Jim (Laura) VanHulzen, along with brothers- and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, their families, and many friends.

Even though Gary struggled with Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s at the end of his life, he remained strong in spirit and lived out his signature blessing: “Keep the Faith.”

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, February 19th at 11:00am at Sonlight Church in Lynden.

Memorials in Gary’s name may be made to: Lynden Christian Schools – 417 Lyncs Drive, Lynden WA 98264, or to Christian Heath Care Center – 855 Aaron Drive, Lynden, WA 98264.

“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” Psalm 27:4

Please share your memories of Gary in his online guestbook.

Memorial Service

  • Date & Time: February 19, 2022 (11:00 AM)
  • Venue: Sonlight Church
  • Location: Lynden, WA - (Get Directions)

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19 responses to Gary Lee VanHulzen

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  1. Leneen Carr says:

    A laugh that could fill up a room and instantly make you happy. I have fond memories of him. So sorry for your loss.

  2. I am so sorry for your loss, Van Hulzen family. You were blessed with a loving, faithful, humorous, and kind husband, father, and grandfather. Gary had a special gift as a teacher and coach, no doubt about it. I am grateful for the years I was privileged to serve alongside him (and Jon, too) at Lynden Christian. Prayers for comfort and peace for all of you.

  3. oren devries says:

    One of the Greatest teachers I had. Always more thrills and high adventures. He will truly missed!

  4. Josh Parsons says:

    VanHulzen family, I loved Gary!!! From the fond memories I have as a little squirt getting to be the ball-boy for the LC football team to the world-view forming learning I was challenged with in his classes, Van Hulzen was a magnet for me. He always had a smile on his face, his laugh was infectious, and he directed his world-famous “You Dirty Dog” saying my way on more than a few occasions. However, a well-timed apple fritter offering always kept me in his good graces :) Praying for your family as you grieve and celebrate Gary’s life.

  5. Jake Kalma says:

    Sorry for the loss, prayers to the family. Gary was my h

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