Charles Arthur Vanderhyde

Charles Arthur Vanderhyde was called home to his eternal rest on April 17, 2025, surrounded by family at his home in Aurora, Colorado.

Charles was born in Hempstead on Long Island, New York, on December 8, 1934, to Charles Mitchell and Grace Helen (Lauten) Vanderhyde. He was the second of two children, four years younger than his sister, Grace. The family lived in nearby Lynbrook. Although the family was Lutheran, Charles was baptized at St. James Methodist Church. They later joined Our Savior Lutheran in Valley Stream. Charles spoke fondly of his boyhood years. From his youth, Charles was known to many by his nickname, Mickey. In 1946, he moved with his family to the San Diego area in California.

Charles enjoyed school and did well, especially in science and math. In high school he played tennis, sang in the choir, and even took summer classes so he could fit more into his schedule. Due to the influence of Christ Lutheran Church in La Mesa and its members, Charles found himself drawn to the ministry. After high school he attended St. John’s Lutheran College in Winfield, Kansas, before going on to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He served his vicarage in Lockport, New York, and graduated with his M-Div degree in 1961. The year before his vicarage, he and Janice (Benner), were married. Their daughter, Rebecca, was born in Lockport.

Charles served dual parishes in Pecos and Monahans, TX, Apple Valley and Hesperia, and Hesperia and Wrightwood, CA. Sons David, Jonathan, and Michael were born in Pecos. During their years in California, they were happy to welcome Nancy Allison (Mendoza) into their family for several years. After serving as a full-time pastor for thirty-two years, he retired and moved with Janice to Aurora, Colorado, to be near their children and grandchildren. In his retirement years, Charles kept busy serving a number of pastoral vacancies in the area, spending time with his family, updating their home, and working in the yard. He continued to preach and teach into his eighties.

Charles and Janice were married for sixty-six years. They enjoyed walking, biking, gardening, hiking and picnicking in the mountains, camping in Sequoia and Glacier National Parks, and making trips to various states to visit out-of-town family members.

Charles was preceded in death by his sister, Grace; father, Charles; and mother, Grace. He is survived by his wife Janice; daughter Rebecca Haiderer (Don) of Aurora, CO; sons David (Ginny) of Denver, CO; Jonathan (Michele) of Eau Claire, WI; Michael (Patti) of Aurora, CO; “adopted” daughter Nancy Mendoza (David) of Vista, CA; eighteen grandchildren, and thirty-nine great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to University Hills Lutheran Church.