Howard E. Vanoosten M.D.

Dr. Howard E. VanOosten, age 83, willingly passed away at West Branch Regional Medical Center on November 26, 2004 to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on November 15, 1921 to the late Herman and Jean (VanderZwaag) VanOosten. He later attended the University of Michigan and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He served as a First Lieutenant, 1st Marine Division, naval gun spotter during World War II in the Pacific Theater fighting in Guadalcanal, Peleliu, and Okinawa. After the war, he returned to Ann Arbor to attend medical school where he met and married his wife Alberta Jean (Johnson) VanOosten. She preceded him in death.
Doc Van moved to West Branch in 1951 as a new Doctor where he stayed and practiced medicine for forty years because of his love of the people and the West Branch area. He delivered over 3,000 babies during his career. His life was his patients and his family. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing.
Surviving are his children- Kristen (Jeffrey) Schubert of West Branch, Michigan; Julie (Sam) Church of Toccoa, Georgia; Jon (Patti) VanOosten of West Branch,Michigan; Daughter-in-Law- Glenda (Steve) Neumann of West Branch,Michigan. Also surviving are his grandchildren- Curt Schubert M.D. of Troy, Michigan; Carrie (Rod) Barriger of Midland, Michigan; Brad Church of Toccoa, Georgia; Annie (Levi) Rice of Toccoa, Georgia; Ty, Travis, Lindsay, Peter and Erika all of West Branch,Michigan. Great grandchildren- Brett and Josh Barriger of Midland, Michigan. His Brother and Sisters- Jim (Mary) VanOosten, Erma Fongers, Mickey (Tom) Matthews, and Millie (David) Schick all of Grand Rapids.
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a private family service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tolfree Memorial Hospital Foundation, 335 E. Houghton Ave. West Branch, Mi 48661 or to Hospice of Helping Hands,335 E. Houghton Ave. West Branch, Mi 48661. Envelopes are available at the Steuernol McLaren Funeral Home 109 E. Houghton Ave. West Branch, Mi 48661.