Vander Wert, Craig D. – 1955-2010

BROOKS, DE GRAAF, EHLER, HARROD, KESLER, POL, POTHOVEN, REMER, RENAUD, SCHUTTE, TERPSTRA, VAN HEMERT, VAN WYHE, VANDER WERT

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 10/31/2010 at 18:24:37

Craig D. Vander Wert, 54, died of injuries received in a tractor accident Tuesday evening, Oct. 19, 2010, at his home near Pella.
A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Pella. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Oakwood Cemetery in Pella. Visitation will begin Friday afternoon at the First Baptist Church, where the family will be present from 4 to 7 p.m. Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Source: Newton Daily News; Thursday, October 21, 2010

Additional information from Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home website:
Craig David Vander Wert was the youngest of four sons that were born to John E. and Phyllis Anne Van Hemert Vander Wert. He was born on December 23, 1955, at Oskaloosa, Iowa. Craig attended the Pella Public Schools in Pella, Iowa and during high school was a member of the wrestling team and the high school band. He graduated with the Class of 1974. Craig loved cars and his first vehicle was a Mustang. In September, 1974, he married Deb Pothoven and to this union one daughter, Angela Dawn, was born. Craig began working in the maintenance department at Vermeer Manufacturing Company at Pella in 1988. On July 18, 1987, he was united in marriage with Karla Fay Pol Van Wyhe in Karla’s backyard, which was surrounded by dirt. Craig and Angie and Karla and her two children, Tonya and Aaron, became a blended family. Family remained a very important part of his life. Spending time with his grandchildren and playing with his dog were an important part of his life. Craig enjoyed being with and fishing with his close friend, Mark (Fred) Pothoven. He continued working at Vermeer’s while also finding time to pursue his interests. Craig enjoyed playing the guitar, fishing, camping and working on their acreage. He was doing exactly that on Tuesday evening, October 19, 2010, when he was killed in a tractor accident at the age of 54 years. Memories of Craig will be cherished forever by his wife, Karla and their families: Aaron and Arenda Van Wyhe of Harvey, Iowa,Kylee, Kody,Tonya and Dan Schutte of Reasnor, Iowa,Hailey, Wyatt, Tanya and T.J.,Angie and Michael Remer of Johnston, Iowa,Katen, Ana. His parents are, John and Phyllis Vander Wert of Pella, Iowa,and his two older brothers and their families are: Randy and Arlene Vander Wert of Tucson, Arizona,Chad and Emily Vander Wert,Sofie; John W. and Debbie Vander Wert of Pella, Iowa,Tiffany and Joel Ehler,Alex, Aanna,Travis Vander Wert,Steve Harrod,Treston, Kesler,Justin Brooks,Alex,Dustin Brooks,and Dakota. His parents-in-law are, Marion and Alberta Terpstra Pol of Pella; along with the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Merrill and Lana Pol, Marla and Kevin Renaud, Janice and Steve De Graaf all of Pella and Malinda Pol of Des Moines, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his brother, Terry Vander Wert on April 17, 1983; his maternal grandparents, William and Thelma Van Hemert and his paternal grandparents, John E. and Henrietta Vander Wert. Craig was baptized and made profession of his faith at the First Reformed Church in Pella. At the time of his untimely death he was an active, faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Pella, Iowa.