Lawrence (Larry) Francis Vanderwerf's Obituary
Lawrence (Larry) Francis Vanderwerf
January 31, 1936 ~ August 13, 2016
Lawrence (Larry) Francis Vanderwerf, 80, passed away August 13th, 2016 with family by his side in Portland, Oregon.
Larry was born at the family home in Scappoose to John and Mary Vanderwerf on January 31, 1936. He attended St. Frederic’s Grade School and graduated from Scappoose High School in 1955.
The outdoors was his playground. Scappoose Creek and the Dike were the places for swimming, fishing, deer and duck hunting and hanging out with friends.
On August 26, 1961, Larry married Penny Beall in Boise, Idaho. Raised 4 sons and lived in Warren since June 1966. Upon completion of his service in the US Army, he went to work for Industrial X-Ray until becoming a longshoreman with the ILWU-Local 8 and retirement in 1999.
Larry is survived by his wife, Penny Vanderwerf, sons and their spouses; Jerry and Susan, Terry and Laura, Chris and Tami, Andy and Lisa. Grandchildren and their spouses; Joshua and Samantha, Melissa, Ryan and Bragan, Tim and Emilia, Katrina, Jason, Tristan, Bryce and Danielle. Great-Grandchildren; Terra, Joshie and Teresa. Surviving siblings and their spouses; Adeline Vanderwerf, Loretta “Sally” Schmit and Albert, John and Judy Vanderwerf. Sister-in-laws; Rachel Vanderwerf and JoAnn Friend. Many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Vanderwerf and brothers; Jim and Joe Vanderwerf.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 am on August 26, 2016 at St. Wenceslaus Church in Scappoose with Father Chuck Wood officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to OHSU Knight Cancer Institute at OHSU Foundation, Mail Stop 45, PO Box 4000, Portland, OR 97208 in memory of Larry Vanderwerf.
A special thanks to the staff at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Northwest and Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital for the wonderful care given during his battle with AML.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbifh.com.
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