Melvin E. "Mike" VandenHeuvel

Melvin Earl “Mike” VandenHeuvel, 87, of Battle Creek passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025. 

Mike was born December 18, 1937, in Borculo, MI to Edward and Minnie (Byer) VandenHeuvel. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture and marketing. He also earned his pilot’s license. He was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard Reserves. Before he retired, he flew and drove for KHS Air Freight, worked for Hubbard Milling Company and Alvan Freight. 

Mike was an athlete through and through. In high school, he played baseball and football, and his team was undefeated for two years. He played basketball and softball in Marion, Indiana and played ice hockey in an over 30 league at age 60. He also enjoyed bowling, softball, skiing and teaching all grandchildren how to ski. He was an avid biker and rode many tours including the PALM and RAGBRAI. He biked across the United States in six weeks at age 72. Mike also served as a Scout Master and was a youth leader in Marion. He volunteered at the Battle Creek Habitat for Humanity with the Tuesday and Thursday regulars. He attended Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. He also went on many mission trips to Haiti, Guatemala, Georgia and Louisiana. 

Mike is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy VandenHeuvel; daughter, Lori (Mark) Smith; son, Craig (Jayci Birkey) VandenHeuvel; grandchildren, Caleb, Joshua and Kayanna; sister-in-law, June VandenHeuvel and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings. 

Mike’s family will receive friends for visitation Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home, where service to celebrate Mike’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s memory may be directed to Battle Creek Habitat for Humanity (595 North Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49017) or Chapel Hill United Methodist Church Missions (157 Chapel Hill Dr. Battle Creek, MI 49015). Personal messages for his family may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.