Dennis E. Van Alst MD

Dennis E. Van Alst, MD passed away April 19, 2025 in Kalamazoo MI at the age of 92, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He faced its progression with grace, strength, positivity and a steadfast determination to continue enjoying life’s pleasures. Dr. Van Alst was a private and gentle soul who found satisfaction and purpose as a family doctor in Cadillac, Michigan. He perceived his profession as both a privilege and a calling and practiced medicine with passion and optimism for 34 years, the longest tenure of any physician at Medical Arts, providing care for some families through five generations. His patients valued his wisdom, compassion and thoughtful care. His co-workers and colleagues appreciated his constancy, humility and the genuine “thank you” he offered at the end of each day. On retirement at age 62, he asserted that his plan was to “cultivate, cogitate and circumnavigate”, but he returned to assist in surgery until the remarkable age of 82. Beyond his medical practice, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and was involved in his community offering quiet yet impactful service. He could be found, neatly dressed, in committee meetings or, more often in surgical scrubs and a headband, picking up litter along the streets in the city he loved. He was a humble man who never sought recognition for his efforts as he believed that success was earned through hard work, self-discipline, dedication and persistence, values he handed down to his family. Dennis was a soft-spoken man who seldom raised his voice, but was known for his wit and the puns he so enjoyed. Fortuitously, his sense of humor remained until the end. He found joy in lively family celebrations and hands-on participation building and renovating homes for himself, his children and grandchildren. He loved to travel, read, play his black shiny piano and ask questions. Visitors to his home knew they would be part of inquisitive discussions that often included more information than most were prepared to absorb. He was a logophile and a grammarian who encouraged us to know and correctly use common and unusual language, often highlighting a “word for the day”. In his 92 years he taught much to those who listened. The community has lost a dutiful man who was committed to his profession. His family has lost a man of unwavering love, honesty and great faith. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family whom he loved beyond measure: his devoted wife of 51 years, Becky; his cherished children: Ann (Steve Heller) Neyer, Ed (Julie) Van Alst, Andy (Carrie Van Natter) Van Alst, Audrey (Barry Tufford) Van Alst, and Matt (Kathleen) Van Alst; his beloved grandchildren Natalie (Rick) Schild, Kurtis (Brooke) Van Alst, AJ Van Alst, Kassie (Ryan) Hearth, Lizzie ( Skyler) Nelson, Marissa (Ryan) Pendrick, Holly Smith, Katie (Frank) Fisher, Ryan (Jaime) Boyer and his precious great- grandchildren, Margot and Eleanor Hearth, Archie Nelson and Kemper Pendrick. We will remember him as a man who lived his life with resilience, humor, and hope. Everyday without fail, even after Parkinson’s had reduced his voice to a whisper, he wished us “good morning “ and “good night”. Dennis, Dad, Grandpa, Papa, we lovingly bid you our final “good night”. The family invites you to honor his life and his faith during a memorial mass 11:00 AM, Friday, April 25, 2025 at St Ann Catholic Church in Cadillac with Rev. Fr. Michael Janowski as celebrant. Family may be visited one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be at Maple Hill in Cadillac. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Cadillac Area Community Foundation. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Dennis E. Van Alst MD

February 25, 1933 - April 21, 2025