Obituary of Jerry Van Waardhuizen

Jerry Van Waardhuizen, 84, passed away peacefully in his home on March 19, 2023. 

Jerry was the oldest boy in his family, born to Catherine and Arthur Van Waardhuizen in a farm house in Otley, Iowa in 1939. He held many professions throughout his life, foremost as a pilot, farmer, and salesman of cars and real estate.

As a young man, he farmed the rich Iowa farmland with his father and brothers. His mother would come to the fields at lunchtime with minute-made sandwiches and Dutch cookies. His son would “swim” in the harvested corn before it went to the market. He loved the land as he loved his family, and felt at home on the farm. 

He also felt at home in the air. Jerry’s father Art taught him to fly, and he flew all over the western United States both as a private and commercial pilot. His Comanche aircraft was his pride and joy. He always kept his pilot’s license ready in his wallet and enjoyed reading magazines about flying.

Retiring in Sun City, Arizona, Jerry became a fixture of his community. Always ready to help others, and always coming with gifts, Jerry loved and appreciated all of his friendships in his community. When anyone gave him a call, they could expect to hear him say, “This is Jerry Van! Who’s this?” and strike up an interesting conversation. 

Jerry’s greatest gift was taking care of the people he loved. He was ready to offer a word of “common sense” to anyone, whether they asked for it or not. When he offered help to others in their time of need, he never took credit for himself. Jerry was a uniquely generous and kind man.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine and Arthur Van Waardhuizen, and his beloved sister Dolores. He is succeeded by his son Tom, and his brothers David, Clarence, and Arvin.

Anyone who would like to honor Jerry’s memory may do so by making a donation in his name to the church of your choice. 

Jerry’s wishes were to be cremated. We will have memorial services for him as follows: