Raymond E. Vanderheyden's Obituary
Raymond (Shotgun) E. Vanderheyden, age 74 of Centerville, Iowa peacefully went to heaven on Friday, June 22, 2012 at the Continental Care Center in Seymour, Iowa where he had lived for three months.
He was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in January of 2012.
Raymond was born May 19, 1938 at home in Brazil, Iowa. He was the eldest son of Frank and Julia (Starcevich) Vanderheyden. He received his education in the country school in Brazil, Iowa. He later came to Centerville to attend high school. Raymond graduated in 1957. He married his best friend and love of his life Linda Ayres on July 9, 1960. To this union, three children were born. Raymond and Linda spent many hours driving to attend the activities of their three active children. Their attendance at these activities included many hours of sitting on bleachers. Raymond loved his family and always looked forward to having grandchildren. He loved teasing his nieces and nephews. Raymond finally had his first grandson when Ross was born. He loved and cherished Ross. Almost sixteen years later Raymond was able to experience two granddaughters, Delaney and Raegan. The two granddaughters were instantly ""Bapa's"" girls. Raymond loved his grandchildren and was so proud of them. He enjoyed watching Ross with his motorcycles and the girls with their dancing and ""girly"" things.
Raymond always pushed for the most out of life. He enjoyed laughing and often stated that he needed youth around him to keep him young. Just four years ago his great grandson Reed was born. Raymond called this a ""two-fer"" because not only was Reed born, but Chance came into his life as well. Now Raymond had two little boys to keep him young. Reed and Chance made him so happy.
In his working years Raymond was a truck driver. He began trucking for Art Wyldes in 1960 when he hauled coal. Through the years Raymond drove for several companies but most of his time was spent with Dusablon Trucking, owned by Al and Grant Dusablon. When Raymond retired in 2000 he was driving for Max Johnson. He also drove a van for New Focus in Centerville for several years. Raymond also assembled bikes and furniture for Pamida. In his high school years he worked for Hy-Vee when it was located on the Centerville Square. He is survived by his wife of almost fifty two years, Linda Vanderheyden; one daughter Debby (Ross) Faught; two sons, Dennis (Mary) Vanderheyden, and Danny Vanderheyden; a grandson Ross Vanderheyden; two grand-daughters, Delaney and Raegan Faught; two great grandsons, Reed Vanderheyden and Chance Cook; a sister Loretta (Pastor Gerald ) Campbell; three brothers, Ronnie (Pistol) Vanderheyden, Ted Vanderheyden, and Johnny (Linda) Vanderheyden; In laws Janice (Ronnie) Hamlin, Margaret Ponsetto, Steve (Jean) Ayres, Doug (Debi) Ayers; and many nieces and nephews. Raymond was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents Frank and Julia; Sister and brother-in-law Leona and Jack Kauzlarich; a brother Ned Vanderheyden; mother-in-law Mollie Ayers; brother-in-law Joe Ponsetto; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11 AM, Saturday June 30, 2012 at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville with Pastor Gerald Campbell officiating. A visitation will be held on Saturday at Lange Funeral Home from 9:30 AM until service time. There will be no burial of the cremains at this time. A memorial has been established to the Raymond E. Vanderheyden Memorial Fund and may be given to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.
Visitation
June 30, 2012 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
Celebration of Life
June 30, 2012 11:00 AM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
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