Vander Werff, Gary L. - 1940-2015

BARRALE, DUNNICK, EDGINGTON, RYBERG, VANDER WERFF

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 9/18/2015 at 13:15:55

Gary Vander Werff, 74, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 at the Kavanagh House in Des Moines. Services were held Feb. 3 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola with cremation to follow services and cremains to be buried in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be made to Kavanagh House on 56th Street in Des Moines, or The Animal Rescue League.
Gary was born Aug. 12, 1940 to Gerrit & Nellie (Dunnick) Vander Werff in Sully. Gary attended McKinney Country School and graduated from Lynnville-Sully High School in 1958. He attended Simpson College and was active in many social and academic organizations, including the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity where he held many roles including chapter President. Gary graduated in 1962 with a BA in Economics.
Gary married Joan Edgington in 1963, raising three sons, Jeff, Kent and Joel. After living in Kansas City, MO., and Indianola, they settled in Des Moines in 1975. The boys kept them very busy over the years, attending many practices, games, concerts and events.
Good times were spent entertaining friends and family. Always an open door, many people shared a drink or two and good food at the basement bar, or bacon, eggs and potatoes at the breakfast table - often in the same visit. Gary loved to travel; he and Joan took many trips both home and abroad. An avid sports fan, Gary followed the Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball teams and the Chicago Cubs. He was also a long-time season ticket holder at the Iowa Cubs and Drake Bulldogs Basketball. But of special importance was the Drake Relays, which Gary attended every year since 1965. This legacy will be continued by the family.
Gary was very active in the Des Moines Community, belonging to several social clubs and organizations, as well as numerous charitable and civic groups. Gary worked in the insurance and financial industry for over 50 years, obtaining numerous designations, recognitions and awards. Gary loved working with people and helping them make decisions that made their lives better. He drew no lines between client, colleague, family and friend in his business relationships, earning great respect from all. Perhaps his greatest reward, was watching the success and achievement of the many he mentored - and there are many.
Gary is survived by his wife of 51 years Joan; sons Jeffrey (Victoria), Kent, and Joel (Tawnya Ryberg); seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Also left to cherish his memory are many other relatives, friends and colleagues.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters in-law; John (Grace), Dick (Doris), Lawrence (Margaret), Marion (Helen) and sister Dorothy Barrale (Sam), three nieces and a nephew.
The family would like to thank all of the medical personnel and staff who helped Gary and his family during his illness, and all who have provided support throughout this difficult time.
Source: Hometown Press (Sully, IA); February 5, 2015, page 2