On Monday, May 27, 2019, Benjamin “Ben” Franklin Vanderberg, devoted father and loving husband passed away in a local care facility at the age of 89.
Ben Vanderberg was born on November 17, 1929 in Renton Washington to Jacob and Etta (Greathouse) Vanderberg. Ben spent most of his childhood living on a farm and attending school in Everett, Washington. In 1947 he joined the Navy and received an honorable discharge four years later. Ben returned to Everett, Washington where he met the love of his life, Juanita Danner. They were married on June 18, 1953 and moved to a small two-bedroom home in Lowell Washington where they raised one son, Matthew Lane Vanderberg and Ben worked as a mill worker at Simpson Lee Paper Company. In 1968, Ben moved his family back to the farmhouse where he had lived up as a child. He continued to live in this home for over forty-five years.
Ben had a passion for gardening and photography. Many of his photos are of the gladiolas, rhododendrons, azaleas, and peonies he grew in his backyard. He enjoyed dancing, a good joke and a lively debate. Ben also loved to take day trips into the countryside and mountains enjoying the beautiful landscape where he always brought his camera.
Ben was known and will be remembered for his quick wit, his infectious smile, his loyalty, his devotion to family and his kind and giving heart. Those who knew Ben well, called him “friend”.
Ben was preceded in death by his father, Jacob, his mother Etta, his wife, Juanita, and three siblings, Mildred, Evelyn, and Jacob, Jr. Ben is survived by his son, Matthew, his three grandchildren, David, Christee and Tony, several great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A “Memorial and Celebration of Life” gathering to honor Ben’s life is planned, but the date is not yet determined. Family and friends will be notified of the details of this event when it is scheduled. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions in Ben Vanderberg’s name may be sent to any credible non-profit organization that supports the research of prevention and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
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