Peter VanderArk

Peter J. VanderArk, 62, of East Jordan, formerly of Ellsworth, died Friday, October 19, 2012 at his home.

He was born July 18, 1950 in Charlevoix, the son of Peter and Rose (Reamsma) VanderArk.

Pete attended Ford Forestry School in the U.P. before serving in Germany with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict.

On October 3, 1970, he married Judy Farkas in Ellsworth where they made their home. Pete moved to East Jordan in 2010.

He was employed for 25 years at the Ellsworth Farmers Exchange, by Farm and Fleet in Charlevoix, and by Office Max in Petoskey.

He served as trustee on the Banks Township Board for twenty years and was Cadet Leader at the Vance Mission for many years. In recent years he attended the East Jordan United Methodist Church.

Pete enjoyed hunting, bowling, and fishing; especially on trips to the U.P. Pete loved listening to gospel music, especially by the Gaithers.

Surviving are Judy VanderArk and their daughters Becky (Brian) DeSoto of Homer Glen, Ill., Jennifer (Mike) Aenis of East Jordan, Trina VanderArk of Farmington; five grandchildren; sisters Eleanor (Larry) Whiteford of Traverse City, Nanette (Ed) Wertman of East Jordan, and sister-in-law Lyndell VanderArk of Ellsworth; several nieces and nephews. Pete was preceded in death by his brother, Keith VanderArk, and his parents, Pete and Rose VanderArk.

Friends may call at Hastings Funeral Home in Ellsworth on Monday, October 22, from 5 to 8 p.m.

The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at the East Jordan United Methodist Church with Pastor Rap Posnik officiating. Burial will be in Ellsworth Cemetery.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions the family suggests Banks Township Fire & Rescue or East Jordan EMS.

Visit our web site at www.hastingsfuneral.com and sign the guest book.