Gary Lee VanHulzen
Passed: February 14, 2022
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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)
19 responses to Gary Lee VanHulzen
Robert Verhoeven says:
February 17, 2022
Gary was my High School Football coach. A true man of God. Rest in the arms of God coach.
Christi Collins-Schneidau says:
February 17, 2022
Mr VanHulzen was my teacher at Lynden Christian High School. He was so kind and such a great teacher. He really touched my life. He truly lived out the light of Christ. My condolences and blessings to all. He is with Jesus and smiling like I remember I am sure.
Darren Johnson says:
February 17, 2022
My condolences to the VanHulzen family during this time of loss. I am out of town and will not be able to attend the service but wanted to leave a tribute to Coach VanHulzen and share the impact he had on my life. He wasn’t just a coach but he was also a mentor to everyone who played for him. During my coaching career and in my current business, I have tried to model my leadership after coach. He was a great football x’s and o’s guy, but his greatest strength was loving his players and inspiring them to achieve greatness on and off the field. It didn’t matter if you were a starter, substitute or manager, coach would treat you the same. Every person on our team felt loved and valued by coach. He didn’t just motivate, he inspired us to be the best we could be. In fact, in the fall of 1986, he inspired an entire community as our team went to the championship game. Thank you VanHulzen family for allowing your husband/father to invest his time and talent in coaching young men the game of football. His positive impact went well beyond the football field and is still felt in the lives of his players today.
Julie Baron Bedient Kroontje says:
February 17, 2022
M & M’s. Every time I saw him that’s what he said because my high school days revolved around getting and giving each other M & M’s. While I still retain the bad habit even after graduation, I know he is having some “big thrills and high adventures” (with or without M & M’s) upon his glorious graduation! What an impact one man can have for the whole of other lives. What a blessing…
Tena Willemsma says:
February 17, 2022
Such sad news.
My memory of Gary is from long ago when we were classmates at valley. Our last names meant we sat in the back of our common classes….way in the back. A football hero..A kind and loving spirit he was….reflected in his life journey….
Loving hugs to his family and friends on this grieving journey.
May his memory be a blessing.