Obituary of Donald H. Vanderhei

Donald H. Vanderhei, age 88, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Aspirus Riverview Hospital following a courageous 19 year battle with Parkinson's disease. Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at Faith Reformed Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Vance Elzinga will officiate. Burial will be at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Military rites will be rendered by American Legion Post 9. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services on Wednesday at the church. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is assisting the family. Donald was born July 18, 1927 in Wisconsin Rapids to Varnum and Bernice (Meinberg) Vanderhei. He married Lorraine Hoogesteger on May 19, 1951 in Wisconsin Rapids. They were blessed with 64 years of marriage. Donald served his country in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1948. He was employed as a Storeroom Clerk for Consolidated Papers Inc. until his retirement. Donald was a member of Faith Reformed Church and participated in many of the church's bible studies. He was also a member of American Legion Post 9 in Wisconsin Rapids. Donald loved to sing and dance, especially square dancing and polka dancing, and was a member of the Barber shoppers. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed spending time in the woods and on the water in pursuit of the next big buck or musky or hitting the greens for a round of golf. Donald liked a good game of bowling and especially liked spending precious time with his grandchildren. Donald is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine; three children: Jane Hall of Kansas City, MO and Richard Vanderhei and Ronald (Laura) Vanderhei of Wisconsin Rapids; six grandchildren: Scott (Deanna) Vanderhei of Janesville, Justin Vanderhei of Ketchikan, AK, Taylor Hall and Benjamin Hall of Kansas City, MO; and Danny Vanderhei and Jaimie Vanderhei of Wisconsin Rapids; four great-grandchildren: Courtnie, Ashley, Carley, and Eli Vanderhei; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Harlan (Sam) Henke, Bonnie Vanderhei, Frances Stake, James (Lavonne) Hoogesteger, and Joy Hoogesteger. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Elaine Henke; brother, Marvin Vanderhei; and brothers-in-law, Bill Stake and Cornelius and Donald Hoogesteger. We love you—See you at the gate!