VANDER ROEST – Mr. Richard VanderRoest aged 73 of Rockford, passed away Tuesday February 23, 2010, after a valiant fight against cancer.  In the end as in life, he was surrounded by his loving family.  Richard was a cherished husband, father and grandfather.  He will be dearly missed by his wife, Jacklynn; his children, Larry (Nancy) VanderRoest, Lori (Mark) Redner, Amy (Scott) Marsman; grandchildren, Ryan (Julie) and Sara VanderRoest, Joshua and Nathan Redner, Brent and Blake Willett, Jake, Kaitlin and Trevor Marsman; his mother, Helen VanderRoest; brother, Barry (Linda) VanderRoest; brother-in-law, Jerry Beurkens; sisters-in-law, Janice (John) Topping, Joan Sargeant, Judi (Philip) Molhock, June (Bill) Hickox; several nieces and nephews.  Richard was a devoted family man who was married to his childhood sweetheart for 53 years.  He had a long and successful 42 year career at Betz Industries.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter and loved to share these interests with family and friends. Richard was a kind and loving man who will be a blessed memory for those whom knew and loved him.  A celebration of Richard's life will be held 11:00AM Friday February 26, 2010 at  the Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE with Pastor Rick C. Tigchon officiating.  His family will greet relatives and friends Thursday from 6 to 8pm and one hour prior to the service on Friday.  Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Lemmen Holten Cancer Pavilion.  Memories and condolences to Richard’s family may be shared at www.stegengafuneralchapel.com