John Waal

JOHN ANDREW VANDER WAAL OBITUARY….

The memorial service for John Andrew Vander Waal of Albert Lea , MN will be held

At 2:00 PM Monday, December 21, 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church , Albert Lea. Pastor Curtis Zieske will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM Sunday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea and one hour before service at the church. Private family interment will be held at a future date.

John died peacefully surrounded by his daughters and friends Tom and Sandy Clawson on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 at Thornecrest Retirement Center , Albert Lea. He was 74 years old.

John was born in Volga , SD on July 5, 1935, the son of John and Manda (Warnes) Vander Waal. He graduated from Volga High School , earned his teaching degree from South Dakota State University and received his Master’s Degree at Mankato State University . John was married to Carol Ann O’Neal on August 7, 1960 in Huron, SD. John had lived in Volga , SD , Wessington Springs , SD , Watertown , SD , Ft. Dodge , IA and Gaylord , MN before moving to Albert Lea , MN in 1977. He served his country in the National Guard. John was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he had served as a Stephen Minister, on church council and sang in the church choir. John taught and had been a basketball coach at Wessington Springs and Watertown , S.D. He was a school Principle at Fort Dodge , Iowa and Gaylord , MN . John was a financial advisor for American Express from 1977 until his retirement.

John sang with the Careyaires, was in Toastmasters, 4-H leader and a member of the Moose Club and Kiwanis Club.

He enjoyed playing bridge, fishing, hunting, basketball and all sporting events with the grandkids.

John is survived by his daughters: Ronalee (Chris) Johnsen of Wessington, SD, Roxann Clayton of St. Lawrence, SD, Roberta (Paul) Woodside of Albert Lea, MN; grandchildren: Rikki (Kenny) Kolquist, Ryland Nelson, Storm and Sydney Johnsen, Courtney and Katrina Belton, Benjamin and Bryn Woodside; Siblings: Doris Oakland of Plymouth, MN, Avis(George) Rowbotham of Belluve, WA., brother in law, Robert Mock of Clear Lake, IA.

John was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol Ann; 4 sisters and 4 brothers in law.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Thornecrest Retirement Center for their excellent care and dear friends, Tom and Sandy Clawson.