Verdoorn, Donald Nelson, 1922-2001

VERDOORN, MUYSKENS, HUISMAN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/8/2012 at 20:16:04

Boring resident Donald Verdoorn died suddenly while fishing on the Columbia River on November 8, 2001. He was 78.

A memorial service was held at noon on Tuesday, November 13, at the Sandy Community Presbyterian Church. A private burial preceded the service at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.

Donald Nelson Verdoorn was born in Orange City, Iowa on November 18, 1922 to Henry and Anna (Muyskens) Verdoorn. He was raised in Iowa where he received his education. At an early age, Don began working with his father repairing farm machinery. When he was 18 he traveled to California desiring to work in aircraft repair. After a short time he returned to the mid-west where he completed aircraft mechanics school in Ohio. In 1943, Don entered the U.S. Army to serve in WW II. He served overseas, attained the rank of Technician Fourth Class and received several commendations including 3 Bronze Battle Stars.

After his discharge in 1946, Don came to Oregon where he married Mina A. Huisman, whom he had known since the third grade, on November 26, in Boring. They made their permanent home in Boring where they raised their family.

Don worked as a lumber grader in Boring and Molalla between 1946 and 1958. He then did awning installation until going to work at Meier Dairy as a mechanic and truck driver. For ten years, prior to retiring in 1985, he was head custodian at Naas Elementary School in Boring. Don enjoyed woodworking, fishing and bowling. He was a member of the church and a past volunteer of the Boring Fire Department.

He is survived by his wife, Mina; sons, Larry Verdoorn of Boring, Ronald Verdoorn of Saratoga, California and Leon Verdoorn of Gresham; daughter, Cheryl Verdoorn of Merrill, Wisconsin; sisters, Gertrude Huisman of Hospers, Iowa and Diana Sharer of Gladstone; a brother, Henry Verdoorn of Gladstone; and 11 grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the Sandy Community Presbyterian Church, 39290 Scenic, Sandy, OR 97055. Sandy Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

Source: Siouxland Press, November 14, 2001.
A similar, slightly shorter obituary was published in the Sioux County Capitol, November 15, 2001.