Arden R. ‘Van’ Vanderkam, age 74, of the Town of Pine River, Lincoln County, died Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at him home.
Van was born on September 7, 1938, in Wausau, son of the late Peter and Levina (Verpoorten) Vanderkam. He married Ruth Ann Megee on July 11, 1959, in Arlington, VA. She survives. Van served with the Military Police in the United States Army, and was stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia. He was honorably discharged. Van retired from the United States Postal Service as an Assistant Post Master, in Merrill. Van was a member of Grace United Church of Christ, Wausau. He enjoyed playing poker with his weekly poker club, taking casino trips, and morning coffee klatches at Merrill area restaurants. Van was a member of the Lincoln County Fair Board and Ducks Unlimited.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ann Vanderkam, of Merrill; two daughters, Ramona Pampuch and Jacqueline (Philip) Marheine, both of Merrill; three grandchildren, Leon, Jacob, and Thomas; and one brother, Gerald ‘Jerry’ Vanderkam, of Green Bay. Van was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Levina Vanderkam.
The Funeral Service will be at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at Grace United Church of Christ, Wausau. The Rev. Wayne Drueck will officiate. Burial will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau, with graveside military rites conducted by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and again after 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church in Wausau.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that memorials be directed to the Lincoln County Fair Board or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com