Sam Vandenberg (1909-2005)

VANDENBERG, VANDERZEE, ELGERSMA

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 6/12/2021 at 21:05:24

Sam Vandenberg, the son of Frans and Anna (Vander Zee) Van Den Berg, was born at Hyum, Friesland in the Netherlands on December 2, 1909. He was one and one-half years old when he came to America with his parents. They settled in the Hospers area. Sam attended country school, as well as the Hospers Christian School. Later as a teenager, he moved with his parents to Sanborn.

Sam was united in marriage to Josie Elgersma on January 24, 1935 at the home of her parents just south of Sanborn. Following their marriage, he worked for various farmers in the area as a hired man and drove school bus for the Archer Consolidated School System. He and Josie started farming south of Sanborn in 1943. Later they moved south of Primghar where they continued to farm until 1957. Sam then went to work for the Hartley Creamery until purchasing a feed and egg business in 1962. He later worked for the City of Sanborn in the maintenance department.

After retiring from his job with the city, he went to work as the caretaker of Roseland Cemetery.

In March of 1991, they moved to the Christian Retirement Home in Sheldon. They entered Oak Park Care Ceneter on August 20, 2001 and he died there on November 16, 2005, at the age of 95 years, 11 months, 14 days.

He is survived by his children: Franklin and Jessie Van Den Berg of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Harold and Marg Van Den Berg of Prescott, Arizona, Lee and Joy (Susie) Van Tol of Sanborn, Iowa, Dennis and Cindy Van Den Berg of Springfield, Missouri, Gene and Deanna Wietzma of Sible, Ioa, Steve and Helen Van Den Berg of Sheldon, Iowa; 17 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 70 years, Josie, a grandson, Timothy Van Den Berg; three brothers, Jake, Dick and Frank; two sisters, Sadie and Catherine, and infant twins.

He was a member of the Sanborn Christian Reformed Church where he had served as a deacon. He thoroughly enjoyed singing and belonging to the Dutch Psalm Singers.

Special interests included crossword puzzles, woodworking, bowling, fishing, playing pool and Rook. he enjoyed the time that he could spend with this family, especially his grandchildren.

Funeral services were held November 19 at the Christian Reforemed Church at Sanborn with Rev. Greg Dyk and Dr. Stan Van Den Berg (grandson) officiating.

Burial was in Roseland Cemetery, Sanborn, with the Sanborn Hartley Funeral Home in charge.

Sanborn (Iowa) Pioneer, 24 Nov 2005, p5