Gerald Frederick Vanderwerff
Gerald Frederick Vanderwerff, of Bothell, Washington passed away suddenly at his home on August 31, 2017. He was born September 20, 1951 in North Bend, Washington. He is survived by his wife, Pat of 45 years and his children. Jessica & Dan Addink of Denver, Colorado and their children, Davis, Tucker and Crosby. Andrew & Jenny Vanderwerff of Shoreline, Washington and their children, Maddox, Jacob and Mia. Matthew & Heidi Vanderwerff of Washington, D.C. and their children, Elliott and Nora. Allison and Jeff Miller of Bothell, Washington and their children, Calvin and Josephine.
Gerald grew up on a dairy farm in Monroe, Washington and attended Monroe Christian grade school and graduated from Watson Groen Christian School in Shoreline, Washington. He attended Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He and Pat married in May 1972 and made their home in Chicago.
He taught 3rd and 4th grade and drove the school bus at Roseland Christian School in Chicago. In 1980, Gerald and Pat relocated to Washington to be closer to family and settled in Bothell. Gerald became a mechanic at Honda of Bellevue. He continued to support his family as a mechanic, receiving many awards for his efficiency and lack of mistakes.
Gerald enjoyed music, books, poems, loved a good joke or pun, and photography. He was a faithful friend, maintained childhood friendships and enjoyed making new friends up until he died. He loved fresh summer fruit, whipping cream in his coffee and seafood.
For the past 15 years, Gerald suffered with chronic pain, a result of Lupus. This was not easy, for him or those who loved him. Despite this he never felt abandoned by God.
He loved summertime and warm weather. This summer was especially sweet because Allison, his youngest daughter and her family moved to Bothell and lived with Gerald and Pat. He commented how fun it was to have grandchildren in the house.
Gerald will be remembered fondly by his family and friends.
7 Responses to “Gerald Frederick Vanderwerff”
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Our sincerest sympathy in this tragic loss. We are sorry for your pain and grief and wish we could take it away! May you find God is bigger than our pain and will walk through this with you!! We pray that the memories that you share with one another will both make you smile, laugh, and encourage you as you move forward. Our prayers are with you!
Love, Jon, Donna, Alex and Ben
Vanderwerff family, my love and prayers are with you all. I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤️
I went to grade school with Gerald at Monroe Christian school. He was always very friendly and kind. Didn’t see him for many years and then a few years back I saw him at a Shoreline Christian game and he came up to me and we had a nice visit. It was great to see him again. Very sorry for your loss……… Trudy
Pat and family: We want to offer our sincere sympathy on the passing of your dear husband and dad.
I send my love, thoughts, and sincere sorrow for the loss of Gerald in this world. So many memories of Monroe, farm life, and Watson………….
My condolences to the family.
Will cherish the memories of our teenage “activities” such as seeing how fast our fathers cars could go and sneaking in to see The Graduate!!!
Gerald was a great person.
May you all find peace in God’s love and strength during these trying times
My deepest sympathies go to Pat and the family. Gerald was a special friend in my middle school and high school years. He was instrumental in pulling me out of my insecurities and withdrawal during middle school becoming good friends during my teen years. We did some crazy things together, including almost drowning ourselves on Wagner Lake. The memories we had together I cherish.