John Jacob Vander Velde

John Jacob Vander Velde August 12, 1936 - June 25, 2018

John Jacob Vander Velde was born August 12, 1936 in Emporia, Kansas to Jacob Vander Velde and Clara Joy (Coverdill) Vander Velde. He passed away on Monday, June 25, 2018 at the age of 81.

John was a gifted musician and gave his first solo piano recital at the age of 13. John graduated from Emporia Senior High School in 1954. His college years at Emporia State University were interrupted in 1958 when he withdrew to work at the Vander Velde Bros. Grocery.

In 1959 John enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following basic training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX; he was selected to attend Yale University for the 12-month intensive course in the Mandarin Chinese language which he completed with honors in July 1960. John later served at security post in Okinawa, Taiwan and San Angelo, TX. He was honorably discharged in August 1965.

Returning to Emporia, John completed undergraduate studies at Emporia State with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. In 1968 John completed his Masters degree in Librarianship at Emporia State University. John's professional career of nearly 30 years was at Kansas State University Library where he served in both the technical and public service areas.

John met the love of his life, Sally Martin Vander Velde, marrying July 18, 1981. John was preceeded in death by his mother, father and wife Sally. He is survived by his brother, Joseph (Betsy), two nieces Carrie, Hilary and one nephew, Jacob.

The family would like to especially recognize and thank the staff and residents at Victory Hills Senior Living Community for their care and support over the past several years.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Family Conservancy, 444 Minnesota Ave, Suite 200, Kansas City, KS 66101.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.