Landegent, John 1934-2010

LANDEGENT, VANDERLINDEN

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 10/30/2010 at 15:49:24

JOHN LANDEGENT
Oct 21 1934 - Oct 25 2010
Sioux Falls, SD: Died: Monday, October 25, 2010
Sioux Falls, SD
Age: 76 years, 4 days
FUNERAL SERVICE
10:30 AM Thursday, October 28, 2010
Community Reformed Church, Sioux Falls, SD
Rev. Clyde Teel and Rev. John Thornton, Officiating
INTERMENT
3:00 PM Thursday October 28, 2010
West Lawn Cemetery, Orange City, IA
Rev. David Landegent, Officiating
John Landegent, Sioux Falls, died peacefully at his home on October 25. He was 76 years old.
John Landegent was born October 21, 1934 in Rock Valley, IA, son of John and Annie (Vander Linden) Landegent. He was raised on the family farm near Rock Valley and attended country school beginning first grade at age four. He helped on the family farm and graduated from Rock Valley High School in 1951. He attended Northwestern Junior College from 1952-1954 focusing on biology and pre-ministerial studies. There he met the love of his life, Audrey Heemstra. He enlisted in the US Army in 1954. He served in El Paso, TX. On June 10, 1955, he married Audrey in Orange City, IA. She accompanied him to his new assignment in Paulsboro, NJ. Following an honorable discharge from the US Army, they moved to Vermillion, SD. John completed his BA in science, a secondary education degree in biology, and a Master’s of Natural Science (zoology, botany and geology) at the University of South Dakota. He completed 60+ hours of course work beyond his Master’s.
In 1959 he began teaching biology at Vermillion High School. In 1962 they moved to Sioux Falls, SD where John taught biology at Washington High School. He transferred to the new Lincoln High School in 1965 as head of the science department, teaching biology and human physiology. He was the high school basketball scorekeeper from 1965-1985. John was recognized as the South Dakota Outstanding Young Educator of the Year in 1968. He retired from Lincoln High in 1998, but continued teaching at the Outdoor Campus, Killian College, and the National Business College. He often volunteered as a science specialist at local elementary schools.
Also in 1962, John and Audrey became early members of Community Reformed Church. John taught adult Sunday school, served as elder, deacon, and youth leader, sang in the choir, and cared for people. John lived his life as a servant of Jesus Christ. In his words, actions, and character he testified of the Spirit of God within him. His hope in this life and the next was in the Gospel of Jesus, and how He forgives sin and gives new life.
John enjoyed fishing, gardening, family, helping, loving his neighbors, nurturing students, learning, volunteering, music. John was a leader of Kiwanis East. John was the gardener responsible for the beautiful flowers at the Minnesota South Dakota I-90 rest stop and at the John Harris School. He was endlessly fascinated by the natural world and filled with wonder at the work of the Creator.
John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Audrey; three sons Rev. David Landegent and his wife Ruth Ann, of Holland, MI; Dale Landegent and his wife Ruth Ellen of Sioux Center, IA; Dan Landegent and his wife Nancy of Orange City, IA.
John has six grandchildren, Talitha Landegent of Holland, MI, Ben Landegent and his wife Emily Sweet Landegent of Mescalero, NM, Titus Landegent and his wife Magdalene of Le Mars, IA; Bethany Norine and her husband Carson of Blair, NE; Marina Landegent and Tony Landegent of Sioux Center. His grandchildren adore him.
He leaves behind brother Hubert and his wife Wilmina Landegent of Rock Valley, IA; brother William and his wife Alma of Rock Valley, IA; sister-in-law Jeanne Landegent of Inwood, IA; brother Adrian and his wife Nyla of Rock Valley, IA; sister Kay Van Otterloo and her husband Jack of Lakewood, CA. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, and good friends, many of whom he knew for over 40 years.
John was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Johanna Wynia and Helen Lathrom, and brother Case Landegent.
Source: George Boom Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, SD, obit.