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Thadd VanDerDussen Obituary
Thadd L. VanDerDussen
June 7, 1949 - May 20, 2022
On Friday, May 20th, 2022, Thadd L. VanDerDussen, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away at the age of 72. Thadd VanDerDussen was born on June 7, 1949 in Elko, NV to Herman and Ethel VanDerDussen. He was an only child and was the light of Ethel's life. He grew up in Elko and attended Elko High School. He loved playing drums in his band, the Beaudeans. He was drafted to Vietnam at 18 years old and spent 1 tour serving his country. Over the years Thadd owned and operated multiple businesses in Elko but his passion was collecting and restoring Corvettes. He became well known in numerous countries as "the Corvette guy." He loved taking his 2 daughters, Catherine Nelson and Holland Wines on drives in the cars. He was known for being kind and funny. He enjoyed having coffee with lifelong friends, fishing, camping, traveling and being with his family. Thadd married his wife, Janet VanDerDussen in 2011 and spent the last years of his life with his wife traveling and adventuring.
Thadd was preceded in death by his father, Herman, and his mother, Ethel. He is survived by his wife, Janet; his two daughters: Catherine (Jay) Nelson and Holland (Casey) Wines; and his grandchildren: Zachary Gartner, Jessica Gartner, Hope Nelson, Alexa Nelson, Rylan Wines, Ireland Nelson and Addie Jo Wines. He also had two stepsons: Chuck Helton and Matt Helton.
A celebration of life will be held on July 25th at 1pm in the Lamoille Grove in Lamoille, NV.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thadd VanDerDussen
5 Entries
George Guzman
June 30, 2022
Sending my condolences to your family! Thadd my friend it was an honor to ride by your side in our Corvettes in our Morrodders Car Club in 1993. I will never forget you and the memories we shared rest in peace my friend.
Kathleen Weeks
June 18, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. I have had interaction a few times over the years with Thad because of a Corvette I owned. He always exuded kindness. You could feel it all around him. My thoughts are with you all.
Janet Peck
June 18, 2022
With deepest sympathies, I will truly miss Thadd, he was always such a kind person with the biggest smile.
Michele C. Uriarte
June 17, 2022
Thadd was such a nice guy. I remember him giving me rides in his corvettes. Rest in peace Thadd.
Michael Johnson
June 16, 2022
Thadd was a real valued citizen of Elko, I was really saddened to hear of his passing. I will always remember the great times we had working on those old "plastic cars" and the trips to Reno and Salt Lake mostly for car shows. Quick wit, and a smile that simply lit up the room. We had the same objectives for those restoration jobs, quality. I am truly sorry for his loss. I am just a phone call away if anyone needs anything.
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