Obituary of John Martin Vandersteen

VANDERSTEEN, John Martin – Surrounded by his family at Bluewater Health, John Vandersteen died on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at the age of 86, three weeks before his 87^th birthday.  John was born on August 11, 1931 as the eldest son of the Anthony J. Vandersteen and Anna Ceelen in the Netherlands.  Loving brother of Betty Koot (Bill), Renfrew, Tony Vandersteen (Jeannette), Petrolia, Ann Vanden Hoven (John), Sarnia, Sr. Mary Vandersteen C.S.J., Sarnia, Theresa Pritchard (Keith), Whitby, Frank Vandersteen ,Toronto and Josie Humphries (John), Lindsay.  Also survived by his sister-in-law Thelma and many nieces, nephews and great nieces & nephews.  Predeceased by his parents, sister Jean Tellier (Harry), brothers Martin & Louis (Shirley)Vandersteen and sister-in-law Gabrielle. John was very devoted to his family.  His work life included furniture retail, running the family’s general store, working as a qualified welder in Sarnia and full time farming.  He was the family story teller and Mr. Fix it.  The family wishes to thank Bluewater Health’s doctors, nurses and staff of emergency and 3^rd floor surgical for their excellent care including palliative care for John. Visitation will be held at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 N. Christina St., Sarnia, on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Michael’s Church (Bright’s Grove) on Thursday, July 26^th at 11:00 a.m.  Private family interment St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Corunna.  As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to Bluewater Health Foundation, 89 Norman St. Sarnia, N7T 6S3.  Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com