Jack Vanderpoel

JACK VANDERPOEL was born on October 12, 1928, to parents John and Wilma (Stevens) VanderPoel in Murray County, Minnesota. Jack was baptized in Edgerton and confirmed in Rushmore, Minnesota at St. John's Lutheran Church. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Trosky for 54 years. He attended country school north of Edgerton until the 8th grade. Jack then stayed home to help his family on the farm.

In 1951, Jack enlisted into the Army. He served in the Korean War and was discharged in February of 1953. Upon his discharge, Jack moved to California for a short time before returning to Pipestone to farm. While there, he met and married the love of his life, Vernice Lindemann. They were married on September 12, 1954 at St. John's in Rushmore, Minnesota. To this union three children were born: Sandy, Doug and Tammy.

After their marriage, they lived in Denver, Colorado for a short time before they were asked by Jack's father to move back to help on the farm. Jack continued to farm his entire life; crops and dairy cows. He also enjoyed farming with his son, Doug.

Jack treasured his beloved wife, his family and his farm. Spending time with his family and playing games were his favorite hobbies; especially pinochle and Skipbo with all of his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching TV with lots of cat naps or you could find him watching the birds that found his bird feeders.

Jack died on Saturday, September 14, 2013, at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He had lived to reach the age of 84 years.

Jack is lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Vernice of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; his children: Sandy DeWitte of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Doug (Julie) VanderPoel of Pipestone, Minnesota, and Tammy (Steve) Bultje of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; grandchildren: Jessica, Ryan, Eric, Mari, Kristin, Scott, Megan, Korey, Kolby, Kayla, McKensey, and Matty; 13 great-grandchilren; siblings: Norman (Donna) VanderPoel of Fresno, California, Lila (Harlan) Magnuson of Tracy, Minnesota, Lynn (Al) Wahlert of Luverne, Minnesota, and Lori (Roger) Devericks of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Jack is preceded in death by his parents; one sister,; Vera and one brother, Mark.