Wayne Rodger Vriesman, 86, of Holland, formerly of Oak Brook, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, March 22, 2024, at his home.
Wayne was born April 6, 1937, in Muskegon, Michigan, to John and Henrietta (Poel) Vriesman. He graduated from Western Michigan Christian High School, Hope College, and Northwestern University in Chicago with his master’s degree. He met Barbara Ann Vannette walking the halls of Western Michigan Christian. They eventually married on August 24, 1957. Wayne’s career was in broadcasting, and he worked at the Tribune Broadcasting Company for 35 years. Wayne and family lived and worked in Denver from 1965-1977. He and Barbara and family moved back to Chicago in 1977 to work at WGN Radio. Wayne became the general manager of WGN Radio, and he loved the Cubs. He also served as the President of the National Association of Broadcasters, he served on board of Trinity Christian College and the Back to God Hour. He was also a Hope College Distinguished Alumni Awardee. Wayne and Barbara were members of the Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church, where he served several terms as an elder. Wayne and Barbara retired to Holland, Michigan, in 2020, where they joined Harderwyk Ministries. He was preceded in death by his daughter Sherri Venhousen, and his brothers Sherman, and Clayton.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara Ann Vriesman, their children: Steven and Sheryl Vriesman of Denver, Colorado, Suzanne and Daryl Poortinga of Holland; son-in-law Robert and Judy Venhousen of Westmont, Illinois, 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, in-laws: Joann Vriesman, Katherine Vriesman, Walter and Trenda Vannette, and many extended family and friends.
A service to honor the faith and life of Wayne Rodger Vriesman will be held at 1:30 pm EST, Monday, March 25, 2024, at Harderwyk Ministries, 1627 W. Lakewood Blvd, Holland MI 49424. Visitation will be 12:00 noon - 1:15 PM EST, Monday, also at Harderwyk. Interment will be in Lakewood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Timothy Christian Schools, 188 W. Butterfield Rd, Elmhurst IL 60126.