Edward R. Vander Veen

Edward Robert Vander Veen, age 80, passed away peacefully at his home in New Lenox on Tuesday, October 26, 2021.

Edward is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Judith Niemann-Vander Veen; children, Edward (Kim) Vander Veen, Cynthia Milburn, Leonard Pencek, Elizabeth (James) Medendorp-Peterson, and Russel (Althea) Pencek; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Chelsea) Niemann, Parker Niemann (fiancé Lauren Catrone), Matthew Pencek, Russel Pencek Jr., Joey Milburn, Ryan Milburn, Lauren Vander Veen, Taylor (Nick) Welvang, Kimberly Peterson, Joel Estrada, Avery (Katelyn) Estrada, Nikki Ruggles, and Leonard Pencek III; great-grandchildren, Denali Welvang; and siblings, Joyce (Dennis) Deckinga, Sharon (Robert) Elzinga, and William (Karen) Vander Veen; and loved mother-in-law Betty Dunn.

He is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Rose (nee Bronkema) Vander Veen; son Keith Niemann; and father-in-law Donald Dunn.

Ed was born in Chicago, IL on April 5th, 1941. He grew up in Tinley Park and graduated from Bremen High School, after which he went to work as an Electrician and was a member of the IBEW Local 134 & Local 176 for a further 61 years. At the age of 22, Ed was drafted into the Army where he proudly served his country as an Electrical Technician during the Vietnam War. After his service to his country, Ed returned home to continue working and to start a family. His career would lead him across the country where he worked on such notable projects as the Alaskan Pipeline. He returned home and would go on to meet his beloved wife, Judy. Together, they enjoyed being fixtures of the New Lenox community, traveling with family and friends, and focusing on their family-centric ideals. Ed was a past Post Commander of the Thomas E. Hartung American Legion Post 1977, where he helped build the first American Legion in New Lenox and was a friend of the Harry E. Anderson VFW Post 9545. Later in life, he was cared for by his wonderful caregivers Danielle, Mary, Jerry, and Pat, for which he was eternally grateful. He will always be remembered for his passion for Chicago Cubs baseball, antiquities, and as a man who cared deeply for his ever-growing family.

Services for Ed will begin on Friday, November 5th, 2021 with a visitation from 12pm-4pm at Kurtz Memorial Capel, 102 E. Francis Rd. in New Lenox. Services will continue on Saturday, November 6th, 2021 with a Funeral Service being held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 508 N. Cedar Rd. in New Lenox beginning at 1pm. Ed will be laid to rest at Maplewood Cemetery. In leu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to either Thomas E. Hartung American Legion Post 1977, Harry E. Anderson VFW Post 9545, or Lightways Hospice.