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1921
2017
Martinus (Martin) Vandersteen
"The biggest chicken farmer in East Millcreek"
1921- 2017
Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, uncle and friend, Martinus (Martin) Vandersteen, passed away Thursday, November 16, 2017 in Salt Lake City at the age of 96. Martin was born October 29, 1921, in Salt Lake City to Jacob Albertus Vandersteen and Catharina Magdalena Stam Vandersteen.
Martin attended South High School and graduated in 1938. He met his sweetheart and future wife, Leona Doris Larrabee, during a school-related activity. They were married October 9, 1940, in the Salt Lake Temple. Martin and Leona had four children: Martin Jacob (June) Vandersteen, Carol Lee (Brent) Barfuss, Roger Lynn (Annette) Vandersteen and Heidi Ruth (Kent) Brinker.
Martin served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a long- time member of the Kenwood 2nd Ward, Salt Lake Wilford Stake. Most of his life he was a General Contractor. He valued hard work, precision and a job well done. Martin built or remodeled many homes and buildings in Utah.
Martin was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was a friend to many. He loved the building trade, cars, and raising chickens. He knew all makes and models of cars and all breeds and characteristics of chickens. He loved to dance and was still dancing at 93. He played the harmonica, and loved to play and sing for others. Martin was proud of his Dutch heritage and was the last full- blooded Dutchman in the Vandersteen family. He was especially proud of and loved his family and we loved him.
Survived by his children, 22 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his wife, parents and siblings: Jacob, Gertrude (Eugene) Midgley, Ada (Don) Litton, Catherine (Bud) Dobb, George and by his beloved grandson Darin Dorrel and his sweet wife Cassia Young Vandersteen. Also preceded in death by his nephew, Ted Midgley.
Services will be held Saturday, November 25, 12:00 pm, at the Kenwood 2nd Ward, Wilford Stake, 1765 E. 3080 S., Salt Lake City. Viewing from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.
The family would like to thank Sunrise of Sandy for the tender, loving care given to our Dad. We would also like to thank Solstice Hospice for their care during Dad's final days.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.
5 Entries
November 26, 2017
I just learned a few minutes ago of Martin's passing. He was always so friendly and kind to me! My thoughts and prayers are with his family!
Kathy Hart Peirce
November 23, 2017
Kent Brinker
Proud to have known Martin, I will miss him dearly.
November 23, 2017
Jo Webb Lund
Carol,
Your Dad was so good looking and he was always so nice to me. which meant a lot to me, since most of friends parents didn't like me very much. Love you, Dodo Bird.
November 22, 2017
Shawna Wimmer-Lehman
Such a great loss of a wonderful man. He loved life and lived it well. It is with great pleasure I knew this man. Rest in Peace my friend. Shawna
November 21, 2017
Heidi Brinker
Love you!
Heidi
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Nov
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Funeral services provided by:
Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT 84106
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