Obituary of Donald Vanderventer

Donald B. Vanderventer, 91, of Waukegan, Illinois passed away peacefully on February 5, 2019 at Rolling Hills Nursing Home in Zion.  He was born in Waukegan, Illinois on November 28, 1927 and was a lifelong resident.

On September 16, 1950 he married the love of his life, Pat (nee Nehring) and they were married for 56 years.  Together they raised 5 children.  Don spent his career as a teacher and guidance counselor at Waukegan Public Schools from 1960 until retiring in 1988.   Prior to that he worked for Johnson Motors as a traveling salesman in the Midwest Region.  He earned his Bachelors degree from Bradley University and his Master's Degree from Northern Illinois University.  He served as a very proud U.S. Marine from 1945-1949, enlisting immediately after graduation from Waukegan High School. 

Don was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and his life revolved around his family.  His brightest hours were the ones he spent with his grandkids. He loved his annual Canadian fishing trips with his sons, son-in-laws and many friends throughout the years. He loved working in his yard, keeping everything beautiful and meticulous.  He loved his Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers.    (As a matter of fact he has the Cubs emblem already engraved on his headstone.)  He volunteered at St. Anastasia School, was a frequent visitor at the Waukegan Public Library and he could watch Jeopardy with his eyes closed and answer all the questions correctly.  He really loved kids and his students at Waukegan High loved him, so many who have said what a difference he made in their lives.

He is survived by his five children, Don (Mary Ellen) Vanderventer of Waukegan, Scott (Cherri) of Louisville, KY,  Jim (Nan) of Beach Park, IL, Donna Lee (Roy) of Milwaukee, WI, Leslie (Juan) Hernandez of Beach Park,  and his grandchildren, Katie, Cory, Dillon, Scotty and Kelli; step-granddaughter, Candace; great-grandchildren, Wesley, Whitney and Preston Thomas.

He was preceded in death by his wife Pat, son-in-law Tom Lee, his parents Bernard and Anna, sister Marilyn, brother Richard, brother in laws Bill and George, best mother-in-law, Blanche and father-in-law Shorty Nehring.

Services will be at Congdon Funeral Home on Monday, February 11, 2019 with visitation from 4-7 pm until time of funeral service beginning at 7 pm.  A private burial will be held at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Baraboo, WI.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family would like to thank the staff at Rolling Hills Manor for taking such great care of our Dad for the last 5 years.

Dad you were such a great man and an incredible role model for all.  You will be greatly missed and forever loved so deeply.