Muriel VanDam Archives - Big Sioux Media Sports Network

Muriel VanDam

February 10, 2018 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Muriel L. VanDam, 93, of Dell Rapids passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center. Her Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 19, 2018 in St. Joseph the Workman Catholic Church at Huntimer. Visitation on Sunday, February 18, 2018 will be from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. with a Christian Wake Service at 4:00 p.m. in the church. www.kahlerfh.com

Muriel L. Park was born on July 5, 1924 in the Colman area to Henry Sr. and Kathryn (Birnbaum) Park. She grew up in the Chester area and attended school in Chester. She graduated from Chester High School in 1942. She attended beauty school and was a beautician in Dell Rapids and Madison. She married William “Bill” VanDam on June 5, 1946 at St. Joseph the Workman Catholic Church at Huntimer. The couple made their home on a farm near Chester until moving into Dell Rapids in 2000. Bill passed away on January 20, 2009.

Muriel was a member of St. Joseph the Workman Catholic Church and Altar Society.

Muriel was preceded in death by two sisters, Avis Klamm and Marge Myhres; a son-in-law, Dale Huntimer and a daughter-in-law, JoAnn VanDam.

She is survived by her two sons, Dennis (Shirley) of Colman and David of Chester; her six daughters, Dianne (Darrold) Williams of Dell Rapids, Linda Nelson of Dell Rapids, Nancy (David) Sheridan of Harpers Ferry, IA, Leanne (Gale) Swier of Madison, Beth (Charles) Buchheim of Chester and Joan (Bob) Van Liere of Wentworth; her 16 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; brothers, Henry Park Jr. of Chester and Jim (Betty) Park of Colman; her sister, MaryAnn (Darrell) Sorenson of Omaha, NE and her many friends and extended family.

JoAnn VanDam

March 16, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

JoAnn VanDam, 59, of Chester passed away unexpectedly Thursday, March 13, 2014.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM Monday, March 17, 2014 at Chester Area School, Chester, SD. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Chester.

Visitation with the family present will be Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM with a Prayer service at 4:00 PM at First Lutheran Church in Colton, SD.

JoAnn was born May 15, 1954 in Sioux Falls to parents Marvin and Esther (Rehfeldt) Aldrich. She grew up on a farm near Franklin, SD and graduated from Chester High School in 1972. From there she attended beauty school.

Following beauty school, JoAnn married David VanDam on November 10, 1973 in Humboldt, SD. They made their home in Chester where they raised their three children.

JoAnn began working at Chester Area School in 2000. She thought of them as her second family. She made pies for the teachers on their birthdays and some sort of treats for the athletes before a game.

JoAnn was an active member of St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church, Chester Booster Club and an avid blood donor, recently receiving her eight gallon pin.

JoAnn enjoyed sharing her love with everyone around her, whether it was baking, having a cup of coffee, or just conversing while cutting your hair.

JoAnn was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, aunt and friend. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of forty years, David VanDam, Chester; three children, William “B.J.” VanDam, Madison, Heidi VanDam, Sioux Falls and Holli VanDam, Chester; father, Marvin Aldrich, Madison; mother-in-law, Muriel VanDam, Dell Rapids; two sisters, Renae (Doug) Feucht, Baltic and Marlys (Virgil) Schaefer, Colton; two brothers, Rick (Kris) Aldrich, Madison and Randy (Judy) Aldrich, Sioux Falls; as well as several nieces; nephews; relatives and friends.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her mother, Esther Aldrich; father-in-law, William (Bill) VanDam; brother-in-law, Dale Huntimer and several aunts and uncles.