Maurice H. Vanlerberg

Maurice H. VanLerberg, 93, passed away Sunday, October 9, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family who loved him dearly.

Maurice was the third of four children born to Aime and Maria (LeFevre) VanLerberg. A true gentleman in every sense of the word, he was raised to love his family, work hard and honor his country and God. He excelled at each of these ideals. Maurice served his country during World War II as a U.S. Marine in the Pacific arena. After returning home, he courted and married the love of his life, Mary Johnson. They were blessed with four children who cannot count the blessings given to them by their parents. Maurice worked the truck farm, built houses, owned an excavating company, raised cattle and owned the Shawnee Village Bowl. Such a small sentence for such a large life. He took his family on many vacations all around the United States. From fishing in Alaska, visiting relatives in Montana or going to south Texas, each trip was a treasured memory.

Maurice's favorite hobbies were going to field trials and hunting. His favorite pastime was his family. He taught his children and their children what love and devotion really meant. Never wavering in his dedication to being the man they could look up to. And he never let them down. He was a shining example and will be missed by all. Each of his children and, in their turn, grandchildren spent unknown hours with him. They rode in the tractor to feed the cattle, hopped on the gator to check fences, walked down to the kennels to take care of the dogs and everyone's favorite-going to the field trial with grandma and grandpa. Listening to stories of his youth, his time in the South Pacific, about trips in the motor home or just the weather. Never knowing his own grandparents, he more than epitomized what was it was to be a grandfather.

He always had time to spend with anyone who came to see him. Often putting them to work after breakfast and some coffee. Telling them it was just for ten minutes, he always found just one more thing to do and maybe one more thing after that. Then back to the house for some lunch. In the evenings, he loved an ice cream cone and an old grade B Western on tv that no one else wanted to watch and, curiously, found himself usually watching alone.

His generosity was endless. He cared for everyone he met. Helping anyone in need, he gave of himself time and time again. He opened his home to all who came for a visit and a cup of coffee. When guests were leaving, he always told them to stay and have another cup. He helped those he could, giving a helping hand or even a room if needed.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Mary; his son, Bobby; great-grandson, Vander Reich and grandson-in-law, Jack Reich. He is survived by his children: Maureen (Bob) Williams, Dennis VanLerberg, Diane (Phil) Wheat and daughter-in-law Shari VanLerberg, ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren with one on the way. His sister-in-law, Janet VanLerberg and brother-in-law, Albert (Edie) Johnson, and countless nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church; burial in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12 at the church, where a Rosary Recitation will be at 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph Church Journey of Grace campaign or Marine Corp Toys for Tots.