Gustave J. Vanderlooven, 95, of Essexville, our honorable and devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away on the morning of Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at his home. Gus was born in Fairgrove on October 27, 1919, the son of the late Joseph and Martha (Verhaeghe) Vanderlooven. While attending a dance in Midland, Gus met a beautiful lady by the name of Donna Jenks. They dated, fell in love and were united in marriage on February 15, 1947. Sadly, after sixty-six years of marriage, Donna preceded Gus in death on April 23, 2013. Gus was a proud World War II veteran. He served from 1942-1945 and was always willing to share stories about his worldly travels. During his time in the Army Air Corps, Gus was a member of the 40th Bomb Squadron and 45th Bomb Group, where he was a truck driver. He served in the China- Burma-India air defensive against Japan, receiving many air combat decorations and campaigns, including the American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon (with one silver star and one battle star), six overseas service bars, one service stripe, Good Conduct Medal and the Distinguished Unit Citation. He went on to work at General Motors, retiring after thirty years of service. Known for his caring and generous ways, Gus will always be remembered for his unwavering love for his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed woodworking, tending to his yard, playing cards with family on Saturdays and belonging to the VFW #3724 in Standish and the American Legion #49 in Essexville. His generous and loving ways will live on in the hearts of his family and friends for generations to come. Left to cherish his memory are his three children, Marsha and husband, Paul Koperna of Essexville, Lori and husband, Wayne Schoof of Omer and Steve Vanderlooven of Essexville. Gus was the beloved grandfather of eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Gus is also survived by his brothers, George and Joseph Vanderlooven, along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and his wife, Gus was welcomed home to heaven by his daughter, Jerri Ann Hood; three young children, one granddaughter, one sister, one brother, one sister-in-law and one brother-in-law. Gus’ family will be present to receive visitors on Sunday, November 30, 2014 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Monday, December 1, 2014 from 10:00 AM until the time of his 11:00 AM Funeral Ceremony at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. Mrs. Jane Grzegorczyk will officiate with interment to follow in Floral Gardens Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Gus may be directed to the wishes of the family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.