Ferdinand "Fred" Gijsbert van Hemert

Ferdinand “Fred” G. van Hemert, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, at the age of 76, at the Central Utah Veterans Home in Payson, Utah. He was born September 1, 1949, in The Hague, Netherlands, to Jan (John) Gijsbert van Hemert and Maria (Mary)Petronella van Zelm. Fred and his parents immigrated to the United States from the Netherlands when he was only 3 years old.

Fred was the devoted husband of Barbara Jo van Hemert, whom he loved deeply. His family was one of the most important parts of his life, and he loved his children dearly. He was the father of Phillip Candland (Deneigh), Chelsey Marocchi (Tony), Michelle Weaver, Stephanie van Hemert, David van Hemert, and Kacey van Hemert. He was the step father to Ryan Gardner (Sonja), Jason Gardner (Lisa), Nora Dunford (Kevin), Renee Chukwurah (Emeka), Joe Gardner and Megan Reeves (David). He was also a proud grandfather to four grandchildren, 22 step-grandchildren, and two great-step-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children and grandchildren; and his brother, Martin van Hemert (Karla). He is preceded in death by his parents Jan and Maria van Hemert.

Fred proudly served in the United States Air Force. During his military service, he was stationed at Air Force Bases in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, and Thailand, during the Vietnam War. His commitment to serving others continued throughout his life.

After his military service, Fred worked for Mountain States Telephone Company for 30 years. Following his retirement, he continued working as a contract security officer at Hill Air Force Base. He was a hardworking and dependable man who took pride in doing things well.

In his late twenties, Fred joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after being introduced to the Church by his close friend and roommate, Bill Platt. His faith became an important part of his life. He served in many Church callings and especially loved helping others. He was a devoted home teacher and was known for going the extra mile to serve and care for the people around him.

Fred loved the outdoors and was always ready for an adventure. He enjoyed skiing and spent time serving on ski patrol, where he was willing to rappel down cliffs to help rescue someone in need. He loved hiking, being outdoors, and spending time at the lake on his catamaran with his children and friends.

Helping people wasn't simply something Fred talked about—it was part of who he was. He kept ropes, shovels, and blankets in his car because he wanted to be prepared to help anyone who might be stranded on the side of the road. He was the kind of person who saw a need and did something about it.

Fred had many interests and talents. He loved Mustangs and beautifully restored old cars. He enjoyed working on projects around the house, building furniture, and fixing things. In fact, he rarely waited for something to break before taking care of it. He believed in checking things, maintaining them, and keeping them in good working order.

He also appreciated quality and style. Fred loved well-made clothing and beautiful, high-quality furniture, and he always took pride in dressing stylishly. And anyone who knew Fred knew about his love of chocolate. He was, without question, a chocoholic. He would keep 25-pound bars of dark chocolate hidden in secret places around the house, making sure there was always a supply nearby.

Around the age of 65, Fred was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He spent the last four years of his life at the Central Utah Veterans Home, where he received dedicated and loving care. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the wonderful staff at the Central Utah Veterans Home and to Bristol Hospice for the compassion, dignity, and kindness they showed Fred and his family during his final years.

Fred leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will continue through his family and all those whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Funeral Services

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Utah Veterans Cemetery Chapel.

Viewing: 9:00 a.m.

Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m.

Graveside Service: 11:00 a.m.

Fred will be laid to rest with military honors at the Utah Veterans Cemetery.