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VANDEWORP: Gerrit (Gerry) of Exeter and formerly of the Netherlands

Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On April 17, 2014 @ 4:00 PM In Exeter,Obituary | 23 Comments

VANDEWORP: Gerrit (Gerry) of Exeter and formerly of the Netherlands

Homeward Bound! At Queensway Nursing Home, Hensall on Thursday, April 17, 2014 of Exeter in his 78th year.  Cherished husband, soul mate, and  life-long partner of Sandra (Finkbeiner) Vandeworp for over 50 years.  Loving and proud father of Evert Vandeworp and Lisa Brunke of Bridgman, Michigan and Rhonda Vandeworp and Samuel Tumiwa of Alexandria, Virginia.  Adoring Opa of step-grandchildren Lena Albanelli and Jessilyn Albanelli, and grandchildren Maya Tumiwa and Jayden Tumiwa.  Dear brother and brother-in-law of Bill and Elaine Vandeworp of Dashwood, Annie Vandeworp of London, Alie and Earl Forth of Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Dick and Yen Vandeworp of Mt. Brydges and Angela Vandeworp of Exeter.  Predeceased by an infant daughter Ruth Elaine, his parents Evert and Antje (Roessink) Vandeworp, brothers Albert (2011), John, and  infant brother Johannes.  Fondly remembered by very close family friend Shirley Morrow of London, his extended Canadian and Dutch family members, the Finkbeiner clan and Canadian and American friends.

In April 1951, Gerry and his family immigrated from Heino, Netherlands (Gerry’s much-loved homeland) to begin a new life in Ontario, Canada.  At the age of 21, Gerry attended Briercrest College and Seminary in Caronport, Saskatchewan.  Upon graduating, Gerry served as executive director of the House of Friendship in Kitchener, Ontario for 17 years.  Then, as an ordained Mennonite minister, Gerry pastored Bethel Mennonite Church, Elora, Ontario and Stoner Heights Mennonite, Louisville, Ohio until his retirement.  Gerry will be remembered for his deep love for his family, strong Christian faith, creative photography, enthusiastic antique collecting, avid vegetable and flower gardening and his infectious laughter.

Many heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Hensall’s Queensway Nursing Home for their care and compassion over the past four years as Gerry battled medical issues.

Friends may call at the Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street, one west of Main, Exeter on Monday evening from 7-9 PM where the funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 22 at 2 PM with Pastor Lester Kehl and Pastors Charleen and Kendall Jongejan Harder officiating. Interment Crediton Cemetery.

Donations to the House of Friendship (Kitchener), Mennonite Central Committee of Ontario or Queensway Nursing Home – Residents’ Fund would be appreciated by the family.

VANDEWORP: Gerrit (Gerry) of Exeter and formerly of the Netherlands

Condolences for the family of “VANDEWORP: Gerrit (Gerry) of Exeter and formerly of the Netherlands”

Condolence from Evelyn Steckle Vincent on April 17th, 2014 4:24 PM

Sandra,
Sincere sympathy in your great loss. Praying for God’s peace and comfort over your lives. Gerry is safe with Jesus.

Condolence from Marion McCarter on April 17th, 2014 4:24 PM

Sandra and your entire family
So sorry to learn of Gerry’s passing. May the memories over the years become treasures for you now and in the future as you journey forward. We will also miss seeing you , Sandra.
Marion McCarter and Olive Thomson

Condolence from Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade on April 17th, 2014 6:58 PM

To the Vandeworp family: Sorry to learn of Gerry passing. He was older than me, however I think I remember him when the family lived at the north end of Exeter. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Condolence from phyllis collett on April 17th, 2014 9:00 PM

Sandra and the Vandeworp family. Sorry to hears of Gerry,s passing.
But you will always have the good memories. bless the family.

Condolence from Ferne Burkhardt on April 17th, 2014 9:21 PM

Dear Sandra and family. Please accept my condolences as you grieve the loss of Gerry. May you find comfort in knowing Gerry has been freed from his limitations and is enjoying being in God’s presence. May you also sense God’s presence and love for you. I have fond memories of sitting in your Ohio yard, listening to stories about your years at House of Friendship when I was researching the history of HOF for the book, A Mighty Flood. The good work Gerry and you, Sandra, did there will always be remembered with gratitude. Blessings, Ferne Burkhardt

Condolence from Tom Hartai on April 17th, 2014 11:44 PM

Sandra and family:
Please accept my deepest condolences at this difficult time.
Gerry (and you) have always been such a pleasure to serve in our store in Exeter. He was such a gentle,kind man.
God’s Blessing to you and your family.
Tom Hartai
Thomas H/Brigitte’s
Exeter

Condolence from Polly Stevenson on April 18th, 2014 3:28 PM

Gerry was such a blessing to me when he was pastor at Stoner Heights Church in Louisville, OH. He was there for me when my husband died and through the trials I faced during my grieving process. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

Condolence from Catherine & Richard Gill on April 18th, 2014 3:59 PM

Dear Sandra, Rhonda and family.

It’s with great sadness that we’ve learned of Gerry’s passing. We know it’s been a rough few years has he fought to overcome his medical issues.

Our hearts go out to you especially during the upcoming days when it’s so difficult to say goodbye to his physical self. We hope you find strength in the days soon ahead to think of him fondly with the warmest of memories.

Sending you each a warm loving embrace.

Much love,
Catherine (McMillen) & Richard Gill
Columbus, Ohio

Condolence from Lowell and Joyce Miller on April 18th, 2014 4:58 PM

Sending our sympathy to you Sandra,Evert,Rhonda at this difficult time. We have many great memories we can cherish forever.

Condolence from Ross W. Wein on April 18th, 2014 9:24 PM

Dear Sandra and extended families;
Your brother Brian kindly called me with the news that Gerry passed away yesterday. Also I just called my sister Eleanor to learn more about Gerry. I know this is a sad time for you, your children, and other relatives and friends. On behalf of our family, please remember that we are thinking of you.
Sincerely
Your cousin, Ross Wein,
Edmonton, Alberta

Condolence from Paul Ross on April 18th, 2014 10:15 PM

Sandra – please accept my most sincere condolences. Although I did not know Gerry in the best of times, I still consider it a privilege to have known him and to have spent some time with him – and with you. These words of the rich man in Jesus` story come into my mind when I think of Gerry: `Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Master.`- God bless you now and in the time to come.

Condolence from Rochell and Bill Shafer on April 19th, 2014 6:17 PM

Dear Sandra and family,
I have great memories of Gerry. In 1975 Gerry hired me to work the desk at the House of Friendship. I was the first Lutheran hired. My husband was in the seminary and my working helped us get through school. Gerry was always there for the men and always was going, he never stopped. I remember going to your house on Sydney St. for a staff gathering and remember all the spring flower in the front yard. Gerry lived his faith. My sympathy for your loss.

Condolence from Vicki Parsons on April 20th, 2014 8:45 AM

So sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing Sandra! You were such a wonderful caregiver to him! Our deepest condolences to all of your family.

Condolence from Fred and JANET O’Hara Havelock Ontario on April 20th, 2014 4:10 PM

We are very sorrow to hear if your loss of Gerry
having known you both for a long time many memories we have hadl’
Gerry will be at peace now;
His many years of helping others will never be forgotten.

Condolence from Linda Young on April 20th, 2014 8:03 PM

Sandra,

I am sorry to hear about Gerry’s passing. May you hold his memories close to your heart in the coming days. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss seeing you on my weekly visits to Queensway to see my mom.

Condolence from Bernice Uebele on April 21st, 2014 8:01 AM

Sandra and family:
my sympathy to you at this time. I have been thinking of times at Exeter and in Kitchener. I know your lifetime of good memories will help support you through this time.
Bernice Grainger Uebele

Condolence from Gord and Joyce Bauman on April 21st, 2014 11:18 AM

Sandra and family

You have our sincere sympathy in the passing of Gerry. We have many wonderful memories of all of you during your time at Bethel Mennonite Church. May God give you His peace and comfort.

Joyce and Gord Bauman

Condolence from Gail Parsons on April 21st, 2014 2:54 PM

Sandra and Family So sorry for your loss . Gerry was a very special man and he will be greatly missed. The visits from you and your family will be missed by all at Queensway as well. You are in my thougths and prayers Gail

Condolence from Elsie Kuepfer& family (Myron&Charito; Janice) on April 21st, 2014 5:24 PM

We are sending our heartfelt condolences to the Vandeworp Family in this difficult time. Gerry will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Our prayers and thoughts are with you…

Sincerely,
The Kuepfer family
Cambridge, Ontario

Condolence from Irene Finkbeiner on April 21st, 2014 10:20 PM

Dear Sandra:

It was a shock but also a relief to hear of the loss of your dear husband, but I know that you have a deep faith and you know he also was a strong believe, so you know you will meet again in time…

Our thoughts are with you,

Love,

Irene

Condolence from Bob and Doris Osgood on April 21st, 2014 10:21 PM

Condolences on the passing of your loved one. We pray for your peace in the assurance of salvation during this time of grief.

Condolence from Judy Finkbeiner Johnson on April 21st, 2014 10:27 PM

Dear Sandra:

May the strength and faith that sustained you these past years continue as you go through these difficult times at the loss of your dear husband and may there be some comfort knowing he is free, continuing on another journey as you continue on yours…

Sincerely,

Judy

Condolence from Milt & Barb Dietrich on April 22nd, 2014 12:09 PM

Bill, Elaine and Family:

Our sincere condolences on Gerry’s passing. Thinking of you at this time.

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