VANDENBERK: Martinus “Martin” Maria
Posted By On February 13, 2026 @ 12:00 AM In Dashwood,Exeter,Obituary | 29 Comments
VANDENBERK: Peacefully, at Bluewater Health – CEE Hospital, Continuing Care, Petrolia, on Friday, February 13, 2026, Martinus Maria Vandenberk of Watford, formerly of Grand Bend, age 88. Beloved husband of Cornelia “Lia” Clara (Huiberts) Vandenberk. Loved father and father-in-law of Michael Vandenberk of Grand Bend, Jacqueline and Greg Krupa of Utica, Michigan, Stephen and Sarah Vandenberk of Grand Bend. Cherished Opa of Alex Goehring, Evelyn Vandenberk, Matthew Krupa, Benjamin Krupa, Justin Vandenberk, Ryan Vandenberk, and Trevor Vandenberk. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Bill and Toni Vandenberk, Louise Vandenberk, Mary Verheyen, Jane Klunder, Gerry Verkley and Tini Bakker. Remembered by his nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his parents Wilhelmus and Clazina (Kouwenberg) Vandenberk, siblings and their spouses Joe and Jean Vandenberk, Ted and Wilha Vandenberk, Cor Vandenberk, Frank Verheyen, Joe Klunder and many of Lia’s siblings and their spouses.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Grand Bend, on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 11 a.m. with Visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at the church. A Celebration of Martin’s Life will follow immediately after the interment in the Father Beck Hall. The Rev. Fr. Tony Laforet Celebrant. Interment Pinery Cemetery, Grand Bend.
Born in the Netherlands, one of seven siblings, he immigrated to Ontario at 14 — brave, determined, and full of Dutch stubbornness. Once he made up his mind, that was it — and he always had an opinion or story to go with it.
He settled in Grand Bend, married Mom (Lia) in 1969, and together they shared almost 57 years of love, hard work, and family devotion. He farmed potatoes and onions, built his own equipment, and always believed in a good “farmer fix.” A proud member of Alhambra and the Vegetable Growers Association, he formed lifelong friendships and business relationships along the way.
He loved hockey, soccer, golfing and the need for speed- drag racing . Their retirement years were the best- 20 wonderful years as a snowbird at Saddlebag Lake Resort in Florida. He always loved a good road trip and suntanning on the beach or backyard. He treasured his coffee crew at Timmy’s, his friends, his family, and most of all — his grandchildren.
He enjoyed the simple joys: whiskey and ginger ale, fish fries, a honey cruller donut, ice cream sandwiches, and of course… his chips. And a friendly warning: don’t walk too closely behind him!
He lived fully, loved deeply, and left us with stories, laughter, and memories we’ll cherish forever. ❤️
Arrangements entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood. If desired, memorial donations (payable directly) to the Algarva Charity Council or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
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Condolences for the family of “VANDENBERK: Martinus “Martin” Maria”
We have all good memories sorry for your loss
Mike, Jackie, Stephen and families, I am so very sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry to hear of Martin’s passing. Sending love and prayers to you all! Chris & Sandra Regier
Dear Lia, Mike, Jackie, Steve and family members. We are very sorry to hear of Martin’s death. We have so many good memories of hockey trips and games that we shared together. It was always great to run into him and have a good visit with him. I’m sure that you will all miss him dearly. May all your good memories help you during this difficult time. Carolyn and Bill Woodburn
Our sincerest condolences to Lia, Michael, Jacqueline and Stephen and their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Steve and Mathilda (Martens) Flear
My condolences to the family of Martin, you will always have great memories.
I want to give our condolences to all of you. You lost a great and loving man. Keep the memories alive.
I remember Martin as a hard working man with always a smile on his face.
We wish you strength is this difficult time.
Sending our deepest condolences to the entire Vandenberk family. With deepest sympathy, Kevin and Andrea Peters and family
I will always remember when I helped Martin with the building the deck on Beaverkil in Saddlebag. Two “older guys” started out with hammers and nails and quickly realized that maybe cordless tools and screws were better to use for our age group.
We feel very happy to have met these two special people at our winter homes.
We enjoyed many winters with Lia and Martin.
Denise and Larry, Woodstock Ontario
Lia and Family,
So sorry for your loss, always enjoyed my talks with Martin over the years, he will be greatly missed.
Linda & Jim Dietrich.
My condolences to Mike and the entire Vandenberk family on the loss of Martin. Remember Martin well along with the other Klondike boys bowling in Parkhill. RIP Martin
Lia and family – we are so sorry for your loss – our sincerest condolences.
Liz and Bob Chapdelaine
Lia and Family
Our sympathy in the loss of your loved one
Diane and Joe Kaak
Sending all of our love to Mike, Lia, and the whole family.
Our condolences to the Vandenberk family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Andrew and Joanne (Smits) Clark
Dear family,
very much strength with this loss.
We cherish the beautiful memories of our time together.
With love,
Bertie and family
Lia and Family,
Our heartfelt condolences to each of you. Martin was a friendly family man. May your memories of happy times together bring you comfort always.Sincerely, Milt, Barb and Leanne Dietrich
Jaqueline, Michael, and Stephen – Keeping you and your Mom in my thoughts and prayers as you celebrate your Dad’s life. I have some truly great memories of fall evenings at your farm… wandering down the sandy back lane, and the smell of potatoes and onions in the cold storage. The homemade French fries were the best! As the sun sets on a life well lived may he rest in peace.
To the Family: Martin meant a lot to me especially in the early years of the North Middlesex Stars. I’m saddened by the loss of Martin, please accept my condolences at this time.
Paul Augustine
Our deepest condolences to all the Vandenberk Family.
Stay strong Lia,we know you will.
We will miss Martin & You walking by our house nearly every day despite the weather.
Doug & Karen.
Lia and family: Very sorry to hear of Martin’s passing. He will truly be missed by all of the marsh residences for his wisdom and kindness, and part of an era. Paul, Gerald, and Lynda Backx
Our deepest condolences to Lia and her family. He will be missed at Tim’s. It was always Peters favourite outing. Stay strong Lia.
Mike and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss and are thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Lisa & Gerard Regier
Lia and family
Our sympathy and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Cherish all the happy, beautiful memories.
Ray and Sylvia Beierling
Oh Lia. we are sitting here thinking of all the good times we had at Saddlebag. Your door was always open to us. We are so fortunate to have met you and Martin. So many great memories of the get togethers and fun times. We were sorry to hear of Martins passing and send our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Sorry we can not be with you today because of illness but are thoughts are with you.
Always a good laugh at the golf course. He will be missed. RIP Tini.
David Desjardine
Lia and Mike,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Jason Bourne
Dear Lia and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the recent passing of Martin. We always loved his laugh and his jokes and the many visits that you and Martin made to our shop in Strathroy. We just heard today that Martin has passed away, and will always remember his kindness.
We hope that someone in the family will bring you by so that we can visit with you Lia, if you come this way to the Dutch store. Hugs to you Lia. xoxo
Prayers and Condolences to all.
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My deepest sympathy Lia and your family. I’m sure by now Martin and Lloyd will be having a glass of rye and a game of golf together. Thinking of you during this difficult time.