Katherine VanDrunen

Katherine "Kitty" VanDrunen of Wyoming, DE passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, November 15, 2025. She was 101 and six months.

Kitty was born on May 17, 1924 in Byron Center, Michigan to James and Sadie Berkenpas. She was the second of eleven children. Kitty grew up in Byron Center, attended the Christian Reformed Church and Byron Center Christian School. She began working on the family farm at the age of 5. She later worked at Heckman's Cookie Factory.

Kitty's life as a small town farm girl expanded greatly when she married Cornelius "Casey" VanDrunen upon his return from serving in World War II in 1947. Throughout Casey's career in the Air Force they lived in many states but decided to retire in the last place he was stationed - Delaware. Together they began Van's Mobile Home Service. They later expanded into First Mobile Home Transport where Kitty worked in the office and drove an escort vehicle. They also owned and operated Midway Mini Storage in Rehoboth Beach. She always enjoyed gardening and was well known for her roses, daffodils, and tulips. She always said she "liked to have my fingers in the dirt". She also enjoyed painting and was able to travel to many foreign countries, including six trips to Australia and a cruise through the Panama Canal at the age of 100. Kitty was known for her strong faith, outgoing personality, love of life and love for her family and friends.

Kitty is survived by her children, Cornelius "Butch" VanDrunen of Harbeson, DE, Larry VanDrunen of Argyle, TX, Sandra Glass of Viola, DE, Katherine "Kathy" Walls of St. Augustine, FL, and Thomas of Wyoming, DE.; 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly and many other children who called her Grandma, Oma, Bamom, Gra-Gra, and Granny, brothers Ray Berkenpas of Belmont, Michigan, Frank Berkenpas of Granville, Michigan, and John Berkenpas of Big Rapids Michigan and sister Doris DeWitte of Dallas TX. She is proceeded in death by her husband Casey, parents James and Sadie Berkenpas, sisters Jeannette "Net" Tubert and Jess DeGroot, brothers Leonard, Richard, James and Frederick Berkenpas, son Stephen VanDrunen, and great-grandson Keegan Berry.

A memorial service will be held in her honor on Thursday, November 20,2025 at 6:00 PM at Whatcoat Church Camden. Internment will be at the Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro, DE on Friday November 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM. The Reverend David Hill will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Byron Center Christian School in Byron Center, Michigan, Whatcoat Church Camden, DE, or the Epilepsy Foundation.

Letters of condolences can be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com