Obituary of Oscar Maurice Vandevelde

Oscar Maurice Vandevelde was born in Monroe, Michigan on November 11, 1931.  He was the eldest of two boys born from the union of Alois Vandevelde and Eliza (Flameygh) Vandevelde.  Raised in the catholic church, Oscar was baptized and confirmed, attending St. Mary Church and School.  He was a1949 graduate of Catholic Central High School.  He enlisted in the United States Army at Detroit, Michigan on April 3, 1952.  He obtained the rank of Corporal while working as a Radio Operator in Korea earning the Korean Service Ribbon with 2 Bronze Service Stars, and the United Nations Service Medal.  He was discharged on January 5, 1954, at Fort Sheridan, Illinois.

Oscar married the love of his life, the former, Agnes Wickenheiser on May 1, 1954, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Carleton.  The couple made their home in Carleton for seven years and continued worshipping at St. Pat’s until moving to LaSalle.  They were blessed with the birth of eight children.  He took a position with the United States Postal Service for a year before being hired as a Communications Technician with Michigan Bell/ Ameritech.  His career spanned 34 years. 

After moving to LaSalle, he became a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church where Oscar remained for 62 years and also served as an usher for many years.  Proud of his Belgian heritage he was a former member of the Belgian American Club and Past President and former member of the Eagles.  He was a Lifetime Member of the Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138.  For more than 30 years, Oscar played accordion, performing in a wedding band with his uncle and cousins.  He also played at the senior center for birthday dinners and at various nursing homes.

Oscar Maurice Vandevelde, age 92, of Monroe passed away at 7:25am on Sunday; February 18, 2024 at Fountainview of Monroe.  He had been under the care of Beacon Hospice.  His passing was preceded by his parents; his beloved spouse: Agnes on August 12, 2010; and his brother: George Vandevelde.

To cherish his memory he leaves eight children: Irene (Dean) Bond, Edward (Lisa) Vandevelde, Amy (Mike) Lake, Nancy (Mike) Crowley, Martin (Diana) Vandevelde, Dennis Vandevelde (Linda Cooley), Charles Vandevelde (Lisa Giarmo), and William Vandevelde; nineteen grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Monday; February 26, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185 where the Rosary will be recited at 6:00pm.  He will lie in state from 10:00am until 11:00am on Tuesday; February 27, 2024 at St. John Baptist Catholic Church; 511 South Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48161.  The Mass of the Resurrection will take place at 11:00am.  Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe for entombment where graveside services will be under the auspices of Monroe Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his honor are suggested to St. John Food Pantry, Monroe Center for Healthy Aging, Monroe VFW Post 1138, or Heartbeat of Monroe.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.