John Vanderspek

1936 - 2025

John Vanderspek passed away peacefully on Sept. 20, 2025, at the age of 88 years old in the presence of his family. John was born in Monster, Holland, to Helena and Matheus Vanderspek on Dec. 25, 1936. He was one of 12 children and lived through German occupation during WWII. In January 1961, John married Corrie in Holland and two days later, they began their adventure that took them far from home, immigrating to the United States. They picked California as a place to begin their American dream and were very lucky that Ben Van Warmerdam chose to sponsor them. John was a hardworking, honest and loving individual who got along with everyone. He worked hard as a dairyman, ultimately owning and working his own dairy farm. John was a role model for his children on how to live your life showing that working hard will help you achieve the American dream. He and Corrie played cards monthly with three Dutch couples for over 40 years. For the past 50 years, Galt was his home. John loved to travel, and he and Corrie traveled all over the United States including one of his favorite places, the Grand Canyon. They also traveled to Canada, Brazil, Germany and Holland to visit his vast family. John is survived by his spouse, Corrie Vanderspek; son Brian Vanderspek (Luisa); daughter Sylvia Vanderspek; daughter Melissa Neuburger (Matt); son Leon Vanderspek (Karen); seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. John, Dad, Opa will be missed by his family who loved him deeply. A visitation will be held at Ben Salas Funeral Home, 149 4th St., from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 30. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 1 at the Church of Saint Christopher, 950 S. Lincoln Way. A reception will follow.