Leon D. Vander Schaaf's Obituary
Leon D. Vander Schaaf (Van) was born in Fulton, IL January 8, 1924 to Anna Mae Damhoff and Dick Vander Schaaf. He graduated high school and attended college. He enlisted in the Navy and was commissioned out of Annapolis as a lieutenant, j.g. He served on the U.S.S. Tabberer, a destroyer escort during World War II. After his discharge he returned to college and received his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for the Hormel Foods Company for 37-38 years. He was Director of Production, Grocery Products Division making among other items, SPAM. He traveled all over the world for the company.He was blessed with three sons, Dick, Stephen and James with his first wife, Dorothy Ruth Van Ee. He later married his wife, Joy of 44 years, and after his retirement they moved from Austin, MN to Pequot Lakes, MN. They split their time between Fort Myers, FL and their home on Big Pelican Lake, Breezy Point, MN.He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, Edward and Emma Burdine and his first wife. He leaves to mourn his wife, Joy; sons Dick, Stephen and James; step-sons, Curtis L. Klingerman and William E. Klingerman; 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.Van was a gentle man who loved his family, working outside in his garden and being by the calming waters of his Minnesota and Florida homes with his Dutchman’s Joy. He passed away March 31, 2019. His Memorial Service will be held 9:30 a.m. April 13, 2019 at the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens. Suggested memorials to the Hormel Institute in Van’s name or a memorial of your own choosing.Graveside services will be conducted at 9:30 AM Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery where military honors will be rendered by the Cape Coral V.F.W.Funeral services are under the direction of Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907, 239-936-0555. Online condolences may be offered at: www.fortmyersmemorial.com.
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