Gerrit VanVranken

Gerrit "Gerry" Van Vranken, 67, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024, at the University of Missouri-Columbia Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 16, 1957, in San Antonio, Texas to Col. E.E. Van Vranken and Carole (Tennyson) Van Vranken. Growing up as an Air Force brat, he lived in Texas, California, Japan, Colorado, Virginia, and Kansas before settling in Jefferson City, Missouri. Gerry graduated from Jefferson City High School as a proud wrestling alumni of the class of 1976.
Gerry was passionate about outdoor activities and sports in his youth. He enjoyed rugby, ultimate frisbee, rock repelling, and scuba diving. He shared his love for the outdoors with his daughters through countless family camping trips, fishing, boating, and daring cliff jumps that never failed to impress. He was a father who went beyond the ordinary to create lifelong memories for his daughters.
His devotion to fatherhood went beyond creating fun and adventure-he was their biggest supporter in every aspect of growing up whether volunteering at their swim meets, helping with the lights at their figure skating shows or just cheering them on, he was always there. His attention to the smallest details, such as never forgetting to send flowers on their birthdays, even into their adulthood, reflected his deep love and care.
Gerry was a member at St. Stanislaus Church and a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus Wardsville-Osage Bend. He found joy in Stewardship and brotherhood, always ready to offer a helping hand or bring others together by playing his guitar. He was a proud Union member of IBEW Local 257, where he began his career as a Master Electrician. He transitioned to the City of Jefferson in 1989 where he retired as their Utilities Electrician in 2020.
Gerry is survived by his fiancé, Diane Schnieders of Wardsville; his two daughters, Lindsey (Derek) Edgell of Wardsville, and Bethany (Justin) Benward of Wardsville; his mother Carole Van Vranken of Jefferson City; four grandchildren, Victoria Staudt, Kennedy Benward, Veda and Layla Edgell; two siblings, Deborah Atcheson of Kansas City, Kansas, and Gene (Stephanie) Van Vranken of Jefferson City, and his niece Erika Van Vranken.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. E.E. Van Vranken, MD; and his brother-in-law, Kim Atcheson.
Family and friends will be received from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, September 13th, 2024 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Wardsville, MO. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. with MSGR David Cox as celebrant. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com