Edward "Kurt" Vander Poppen

On this day, Edward “Kurt” Vander Poppen is looking into the eyes of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He has been welcomed into the King’s Heaven. Kurt spent over 30 years fixing Michigan roads as a crew foreman for Mored Construction, Slaughter & Sons, and Nashville Construction. He rebuilt bridges and installed guardrail across the state from St. Ignace, to Saginaw, to St. Joseph keeping a generation of drivers safe in their cars. In the off season, he could be found in the woods, on the lake, riding his snowmobile, or working as a volunteer coach for Kentwood Youth Hockey. After retiring in 2002, Kurt split his time between his cabin in the mountains in Gatlinburg, TN and at Cowden Lake in Coral, MI, where he could usually be found on the lake for his customary four o’clock cruise and visiting with friends and family. After a seven-year battle with cancer, on August 2, 2024 surrounded by family, Kurt went to heaven a little bit ahead of the rest of us. Surviving are his loving wife of 50 years, Nancy; son, Robert (Courtney); grandchildren, Morgan, Alexis, Brian Edward; brother, Dries (Mary); sister, Jan (Steve) Sullivan. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kristen Vander Poppen. The family will greet friends 10:00 am Tuesday, August 6 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 16028 Isabella Rd. Coral, MI with the funeral service at 11:00 am. Pastor Chris Kaufield, officiating. Interment, Coral Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church in Coral or Corewell Health Hospice, 750 Fuller NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.