Paul Vander Velde, 53, passed away peacefully on May 10th surrounded by loving family and friends. Beloved husband of Karen Vander Velde. Devoted son to John Vander Velde Sr., and the late Joan (Boersma) Tervin. Loving brother of John (Peggy) Vander Velde, Jr., Kim (Ray) Evert, and Amy (Randy) Bulthuis. Loving brother-in-law to the late Phillip Kurczak, Jeffrey (Michele) Kurczak, and the late Ron Kurczak. Proud uncle to many nephews and nieces.
Paul lived life to the fullest while enjoying traveling with his wife Karen, boating on Lake Michigan, and loved his pups, Chance and Grace, and the late Charlie and Whiskey. He loved being a garbage man and made many lifelong friends through the Teamsters Brotherhood. His love of cars and trucks, drag racing and riding his Harley Davidson are things he truly enjoyed. Paul’s love, humor, and kindness will be remembered by all who knew him as he touched the lives of many who will all miss him dearly.
As we celebrate Paul’s life please feel free to bring out your muscle cars and Harleys to his wake and funeral. He would love it.
Visitation for Paul will be Tuesday, May 16, 2023 from 3-9:00 pm and Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 8-10:15 am at Walter Pomierski & Son Funeral Home, 1059 West 32nd Street, Chicago, IL 60608. His funeral mass will be Wednesday, May 17 at St. Mary of Perpetual Help Church at 10:30 am, 1039 West 32nd Street, Chicago, IL 60608. INT Resurrection Cemetery. ((773)927-6424,
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Judes Research Hospital