Nicholas Michael VanderMolen of Milford. Cherished son of Michael and Ellie (Desimpel) VanderMolen. Loving brother of Kacey Lauren VanderMolen (Josh Montgomery). Passed away suddenly on September 8th, 2023, at the age of twenty-six.

From a boy who loved trains and invented fantastic worlds from Legos, Nick grew into a wonderful young man. He overcame many obstacles in his life due to his disabilities and being on the autism spectrum. Nick was proud to be a graduate of Milford High School and was able to live independently as an adult, which was very important to him. He put his creative mind into writing adventure stories about wolves that helped him cope with struggles. Despite social skill challenges Nick faced in real life, as "Spiritwolf", in the virtual world, he built relationships online with friends from all over the world who thought of him as their brother. He drew from his own experiences and caring heart to comfort and encourage countless people struggling to face difficulties in their lives. He developed an online community with over 150 members that lives on as his legacy.

Nick was the Dear grandson of the late Leo and Lois Desimpel and the late Andrew and Dean VanderMolen. Beloved nephew of Tom and Andrea Desimpel, Julie Hebert, Daniel and Ann VanderMolen, Dale and Lori VanderMolen, Ann VanderMolen, Dave and Judy Deal, Jim and Dorene VanderWerp, Dave and Shirley VanderMolen, Donna and Phil Schmunk, and the late Tom and Debbie Brower. He is also survived by many cousins.

A Celebration of Nick's Life will be held on Saturday, September 30 at 10:30 AM in the Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home, 129 N. Riverside Ave., Loveland. A private inurnment will be held at Holy Childhood Cemetery in Harbor Springs, Michigan.