JOHN VANDENBERG

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JOHN (JOHANNES JOOP) VANDENBERG After a brief illness, John was called home by his Lord in the early morning of January 23, 2015. He leaves to mourn, his wife of 57 years, Catharina VandenBerg (nee Willeboordse), children Conny (Cecil), Nancy (Doug), Jim (Karen), and Bill (Yvonne), grandchildren Jessica (Jordon), Amanda (Michael), Daniel, Stephanie, Jonathan, Katie, Benjamin, and Kristyn, and great-grandchildren Leah and Kaidyn. John was predeceased by his parents and two brothers. John was born in Barendrecht, The Netherlands, October 5, 1929, the second of three boys, to Jacobus and Niesje van den Berg. After completing school, John went to work as a grocery clerk at his uncle's store. In December 1949, he joined the navy for compulsory service and was discharged in September 1951, returning to work with his uncle. Later John took agriculture courses and worked on a farm before deciding to immigrate to Canada in 1954. Upon arrival in Winnipeg, he found employment at a quarry in Stonewall. One year later, he started with Scott National as a warehouse worker. In 1956 Catharina followed John to Winnipeg. They married in 1957 and started a dairy farm in Stonewall. John went back to work for Scott National in 1961, holding a number of increasingly responsible positions until his retirement in 1990 as branch manager. His manager, when asked to say a few words at John's retirement, chose dedication, integrity, modesty, commitment, and competence. John enjoyed a long and happy retirement. John and Catharina travelled across Canada and into the States. They also made many trips back to The Netherlands and trips south to enjoy the sun. Children and dogs alike took to John and he loved them in return. He took pride in his gardens and was quick to share his knowledge. He also enjoyed many fishing trips with his children and friends. In his later years, John loved to sit in the sun, listen to the birds, and feed the dog too many cookies. A memorial service will be held Friday, January 30, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 653 Knowles Avenue. For all those who wish to attend, viewing and interment will take place before the service at 10:00 a.m. at Green Acres Funeral Home and Cemetery, Highway #1 East at Navin Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Siloam Mission or the Calvin Christian School Capital Campaign. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery (204) 222-3241 Condolences may be sent to www.greenacresfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2015