Obituary of John Richard Van Der Wege

John Richard “Dick” Van Der Wege, 82, of Lindsborg passed away Friday, December 6, 2019 at Bethany Home, Lindsborg.  John was born November 27, 1937 in Denver, CO. He is the son of the late George and Mabel (Duff) Van Der Wege. 

John grew up in the Denver area and before graduation enlisted in the United States Navy.  After retiring from his Naval duties he married Elnor DeBoer on October 17, 1959 in Prairie View, KS. They lived in Denver for several years before returning to Norton to be closer to Elnor’s family.  John was a plumber most all his life.  His most notable places of employment included Norton County Hospital, Bethany College, and Bethany Home.  He was also the owner and operator of Van’s Plumbing and Repair. 

He was a past member of the Lindsborg Lions Club.  Giving blood and platelets was very important to John as is noted by his MANY gallons of blood he donated throughout his life time; therefore, he also enjoyed being the Lindsborg Blood Drive chairman for many years.  John was a faithful member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Lindsborg.  Both John and Elnor were long time supporters and board members of the Brazil Christian Mission.

John is survived by daughters: Eva Hawks (Tom), of Smolan, KS, Nancy Bolden of Lindsborg; sons: Philip Van Der Wege (Helen) of Roswell, NM and Larry Van Der Wege (Rebecca) of Lindsborg, KS; grandchildren: Nathan Van Der Wege, Amanda Brown (Anthony), Natalie Magistro (Tim), Aaron Hawks, Braxton Leeker (Zac), Benton Van Der Wege, Andrew Hawks, Baily Bolden, Morgan Van Der Wege, Avery Van Der Wege; and great-grandchildren: Kinsley Hawks, Ashlyn, Shane & Dylan Magistro and Donald & Ethan Brown.

He is also survived by one sister: Roma Lougheed, of Harlingen, TX; and many nieces and nephews.

John is preceded in death by his parents; wife: Elnor; sisters and brothers-in-law: Irene Brooks, Vivian Jansonius (Bill), Mary Lou Hankins (Lee), Helen Wassenaar (Andy), Lloyd Lougheed.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethany Home, Evangelical Covenant Church, or Brazil Christian Mission.