Mesa, Arizona
Andrew was born in St. Anna Porche, Netherlands on Feb. 15, 1930. He was born to Sije and Grietje VanDerWal. He has 2 sisters, Gret Jesma and Corrie Dankert, plus 1 brother, Klass VanDerWal all from the Netherlands. Andrew came to the United States in 1950 and was sponsored by Henry Brower of Sibley, IA. He lived with Martin and Tillie Idema on the farm near Sibley. Andrew was drafted in the US Army in 1952 and served til 1954. He was discharged and he received his naturalization papers and became a US citizen. He married Joan Nasers while in the service in 1953. They had 4 children; Jeffrey of New Brighton, MN; Jolinn Seeger of Worthington, MN; Louise Reitmeir of Baytown, TX; and Michelle Calcote of Commerce City, CO. Andrew farmed and worked construction for years before starting his own construction business in Sibley, IA. He was a member of the American Legion and the Rotary Club. In 1979, he sold his business to Duane Schram and Dan Grady and moved to Mesa, AZ and married Delores (Revel) on Dec. 28th, 1979 in Mesa. He had 4 step children from this marriage, Duane Schram, Douglas Schram, Connie (Schram) Schwarzkopf and Kevin Schram; 20 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Andrew worked at Payless Cashways lumberyard in Mesa until his retirement in 1995. After his retirement he worked as a handyman. Andy was a loving husband and father to all his children as well as his step children. He loved to play jokes on people and was always ready with a smile or joke. In 1998 he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and passed away at Premier Adult Care Home, March 23, 2006. He is preceded in death by his father and mother. He leaves behind a loving wife, children and grandchildren and his many friends and relatives. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. at Melcher Mortuary Mission Chapel, 6625 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ. Visitation will be Monday, March 27, 2006 from 6-8 p.m. at Melcher Mortuary Mission Chapel. Sign the Guest Book at eastvalleytribune.com
This obituary was originally published in the East Valley Tribune.
Our condolences to Delores, Jolinn, Jeff, Louise, Michelle, Duane, Doug, Kevin, and Connie and all of your families. Wish we could see you all.
Bonnie (Buysman) and Verzell James
April 01, 2006 | Evanston, IL
Andy was one of the best and funniest guys I have known. I will always remember with great respect his kind-heartedness, warmth and friendliness. To say he will be missed by all would be to horribly understate the point.
Certainly our thoughts and prayers are with Delores and family during this difficult time.
Dale and Jackie
Dale Osborne
March 28, 2006 | Queen Creek, AZ
Andy will be sorely missed. Andy enjoyed his life. It didn't matter what he was doing he always enjoyed it. If he was on vacation back in Iowa and ended up helping us move, visiting with friends and family, hanging Christmas lights, making his version of hot sauce or repairing something he was having a good time. We enjoyed his funny stories and his laugh, he always made those around him enjoy life too. We hope you have some comfort knowing that Andy is not suffering from his illness...
colette pomrenke
March 27, 2006 | Orange City, IA
So sorry to hear about Andy's death
Your in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless you.
To Abby and Erin - Maggie says "Hi"
Love, Scott and Marlys Dykstra
Marlys & Scott Dykstra
March 27, 2006 | Sibley, IA
Delores and family - I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Connie and I shared many stories about Alzheimers as my mother-in-law suffered from it for years. Even though it is little comfort at this time, Andy is now at peace from this illness and you can cherish your happy memories with him and your family. God Bless.
Sue Benz
March 27, 2006 | Melvin, IA
Dear Family Members:
I knew Andy when we worked together at Payless Cashways Lumberyard in the late 1980s. Andy was a great person to work with and he showed me how to do lumber take-offs and estimates. Even though it has been 15 years since I worked there, I still remember the sweet accent in his voice. Andy was a good man and a good friend. My sincerest and deepest condolences to you on his passing.
Debbie Dorr
March 26, 2006 | Phoenix, AZ
Dear Delores and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. May God be with you.
Sharon Overall
March 26, 2006 | Mesa, AZ
