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BORN
1947
DIED
2019
WAYNE VANDER POL Obituary
December 21, 2019
Wayne Vander Pol was born in Dupree, South Dakota. He passed away December 21, 2019 in Yelm, WA after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
A Graveside Service will be held at Fir Lane Memorial Park, 1:00pm, Saturday, December 28, 2019; Military Honors provided by the United States Army.
Sergeant Major Wayne Vander Pol joined the United States Army in June of 1965. SGM Vander Pol served his country with honor and distinction for over 30 years. His most notable assignments: 2 tours of duty in Vietnam, a Drill Sergeant at Fort Riley, Kansas as the DISCOM Sergeant Major, Frankfurt Germany as the Operations SGM for USAREUR V Corps, and as the Community Sergeant Major for Schinnen The Netherlands; retiring in 1995 from Fort Lewis, Washington.
Wayne was all about family and his friends. His personal interests were individual cycling and bicycle rides (most with his brother Ed), riding his Harley and most especially a Formula One car race enthusiast. Nicknames Freddy & Betty, Wayne & Wava enjoyed sports and traveling with many memories of both international and national trips.
SGM Vander Pol is survived by his wife Wava; sons: Brian Vander Pol, Sonny Osborne, Billy Osborne and daughter Pamela Vander Pol and 21 grandchildren; brothers: Edwin and John; sisters: Karen, Ryanne, Charlene, Vonda and Marlys.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Cancer Society or the Wounded Warriors Program in his memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WAYNE VANDER POL
1 Entry
Keith Courson
September 15, 2024
"Sergeant" Vander Pol (a Master Sergeant when I knew him) was my immediate supervisor when I was just a young Army Specialist stationed in Frankfurt, Germany in 1984 - 1985. He was lean, mean, and one of the best bosses I've ever had. Professional to the hilt, he always looked out for me in a way that made me eventually view him as a second "father figure." I was a better soldier and a better man for having known him. I never had the chance to tell him this. In point of fact, I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have even remembered me, as I was just another young face in a sea of green camo. But I'll never forget him. To me, he was the face of "The Army," and he was exemplary in that role. I'm sorry to hear of his passing. Best wishes to his family. Sincerely, Keith Courson.
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