Henry Marion Vander Weerd

Henry Marion Vander Weerd, known as Marion, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday morning December 18, 2020. The youngest of four boys, Marion was born to Henry Vander Weerd and Mary Catherine Winkel on December 21, 1929 in Sioux Center, Iowa. Marion survived his older brothers Ed, Larry, and Dickey. His older brother Ed taught him how to throw a baseball and how to shoot a basketball. In addition to his passion for the sport of basketball, Marion had many other interests as a kid. He loved to read history books, go to the swimming hole on a hot Iowa farm day, be a loyal companion to his pet dogs, and work with his hands. In his junior year of high school, he moved to Artesia, CA and attended Excelsior High school. He began working construction his senior year to earn some spending money, and this eventually would carry on to a lifelong career. After high school, Marion was drafted to the Korean War. Korea was the most difficult time in Marion's life. He witnessed the immediate effects of war but also remained under God's favor. He worked in carpentry while in Korea and was able to craft his construction skills. When he returned, he began dating Alice Vander Weerd and married June 16,1955. Many wonderful things happened in Marion's life, but he maintained that the best thing was he met and married a Christian girl. Marion built a home on Summer Ave. in Artesia CA, where they raised their children Mark, Ron and Laura. These years were filled with sports, vacations, building friendships and enjoying the fellowship & activities at Emmanuel Reformed Church in Paramount. In 1969, after many years of employment, Marion began Vander Weerd General Construction specializing in Dairy. He drove to and from Chino for many years, and in 1990 he moved to Chino to be closer to his work and children. At this point Ron was working alongside him every day which brought him great joy. Marion slowed down, passing Vander Weerd Const. to Ron's leadership, who moved the business to the Central Valley in 1998. Their daughter Laura & family had moved to Tipton in Nov. 1999, and by 2001 Marion & Alice moved to the Central Valley also. Marion loved watching his grandchildren compete in Sprint car racing and high school sports. Whether it was being a joyful helper any time his kids needed him, to surprising his grandchildren with donuts, Marion lived and found joy from serving others. Whenever there was an opportunity to celebrate and cheer on others, Marion was happy to be there. Marion is survived by his wife Alice; his son Mark; his son Ron and daughter in law Rose, daughter Laura and son in law Tom; grandchildren Jenna and her husband Kyle; Richard and his wife Stephanie; Jace; Sam; Jack; Brady; and one great-grandchild Case Henry. "As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:5

Henry Marion Vander Weerd

December 21, 1929 - December 18, 2020