Arvid W. Kiander

Arvid William Kiander went home to Jesus on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Arv was born July 13, 1938 to Arvid & Marjorie (Newton) Kiander. He graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School in 1956 then attended Grand Rapids Junior College (GRCC). He went on to attend Ferris State College (FSU) to study auto mechanics. He worked in construction then later earned a teaching degree from Western Michigan University. He taught woodworking and drafting at Coopersville High School for a couple years. He decided that teaching wasn’t for him, so he became cabinet maker at Grand Rapids Public Schools and retired in 2000 after 26-year career.

Arv had many hobbies over his lifetime including photography, beekeeping, playing the dulcimer, and scouting. Arv earned his Eagle Scout as a teenager and was always prepared. In his retirement he volunteered in his grandson’s boy scout troop and went on to earn the Eagle Scout Wood Badge, the highest level of adult training in scouting.

Arv married the love of his life, Marianne Beth Crawford on October 14, 1960. Together they created a family and enjoyed each other’s company. They attended both the Marne United Methodist Church in Marne and the First Evangelical Covenant Church in Grand Rapids. After retirement Arv & Marianne spent their winters in Bonita Springs, Florida. He was a devoted husband to Marianne, caring for her after her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. He was a wonderful dad, grandpa and papa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Kirin Michele, sisters, Mary Castle, Martha Jean Kiander, and brother Andrew Kiander.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marianne Kiander of Cedar Springs; son, Kevin (Shila) Kiander of Evart; son-in-law, David Michele of Kentwood; grandson, Nate (Emily) Stein of Cedar Springs; “grandgirls,” Kelsey (Tim) Richards of Twin Lake, Sarah Kiander of Allegan; great granddaughter, Shila Richards who he fondly referred to as doll; brothers, Thomas (Vivian) Kiander of Goffstown, New Hampshire, Eric (Diana) Kiander of Grand Rapids; in-laws, Girard Hemmes of East Grand Rapids, Luann Kiander of Tomahawk, Wisconsin, Harold (Karen) Crawford of Grandville, Doretta Crawford of Grand Rapids; several nieces and nephews.

The family will greet friends Tuesday, April 14 from 6 – 8 pm at the K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Wednesday 11:00 am. Pastor Mark Bullock officiating. Interment Rosedale Memorial Gardens, Standale. Memorial contributions may be made the Evart Free Methodist Church or Hospice of Michigan.