Obituary of Vander Heiden

Ernest Edward Vander Heiden, son of Jacob and Henrietta (Sauerwein) Vanderheiden, was born November 11, 1925 in Laurel, NE. He spent his youth in the Laurel area where he received his education. In 1943 he graduated from Laurel High School. On September 16, 1950, Ernie was united in marriage to Alma Schmidt at Sioux City, IA. To this union, three children were born: Diane, Lori, and Paul. Following their marriage, the couple farmed for several years in Nebraska before moving to a farm near Primghar, IA. They retired and moved to the town of Sanborn, IA in 1991. Ernie was a member of Knights of Columbus and St. Cecilia's Catholic Church. In years past, he had served on the Sanborn Elevator Board, Sanborn Funeral Home Board, Sanborn Library Board, and had volunteered with Hospice for years. His leisure time was spent bowling, shooting pool, or playing a good game of cards. Having farmed his entire life, Ernie found great satisfaction in all growing things; something that continued when he and Alma moved to town. Tending to his flower garden and lawn wasn't work, but a labor of love to Ernie. He and Alma had always enjoyed going dancing and taking trips together; making new friends and seeing new places. Ernie's favorite pastime was golf, and he became very good at it, evidenced by his "hole-in-one" shot this past summer! Ernie passed from this life on November 25, 2014 at the age of 89. Thankful for having shared his life are his children: Diane and her husband, John Shea, and Lori and her husband, Gary Fichman all of Douglas WY, Paul and his wife, Deb Vander Heiden of Paullina, IA; 6 grandchildren: Sean, Brian and Patrick Shea, and John, Katherine and Hannah Vander Heiden; four great-grandchildren; sisters: Elizabeth and her husband, Norbert Dickes of Wayne, NE, and Lucina Gallagher of Chicago, IL. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Alma; four brothers; and two sisters.