Jean Donald VanDerWerf, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, entered his eternal home on July 30, 2024. Jean was born on February 8, 1944, to Al and Ellen VanDerWerf in Sandstone, Minnesota. Jean and his twin brother Dean were the youngest of five VanDerWerf sons. He spent his childhood fostering lifelong bonds with his brothers and neighborhood friends, cultivating a deep love for God and the outdoors.

During his high school years, Jean excelled as an athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. He graduated with honors, with the Sandstone High School Class of 1962. He attended St Cloud State for a while, then moved to Minneapolis and subsequently ventured to California. It was in San Diego where he met the love of his life, Linda, in the work lunchroom. About a year later, after returning to Minnesota, he proposed to her over the phone. They were married in 1969 and spent their early years of marriage in the Twin Cities.

In 1983, Jean returned to his hometown, where he and Linda raised their four children. He was employed at Chris's Fairway and later managed, then owned, the grocery store in Askov. Jean was a dedicated attendee of the Sandstone Evangelical Free Church.

Jean was known for his quick smile and warm bear hugs. He cherished playing cards or Scrabble with his family, often emerging victorious. He also enjoyed debating with his brothers, golfing, bowling, searching for agates and wild blueberries, hunting, camping, and fishing with his longtime friend Gary Larson, and savoring cinnamon rolls generously slathered with butter. In his later years, he took pleasure in listening to the sermons of J. Vernon McGee and making daily trips to Chris's to read the newspaper.

Jean is survived by his devoted wife, Linda; his children, Tia Ronningen (Greg Kline), Candi VanDerWerf (Thomas Hyde), Dan VanDerWerf (Hiba Issa), and Elisabeth Scherer (Jeremy); and his cherished grandchildren, Hailey and Logan Peterson, Ethan Ronningen, and Lucas and Juliet Scherer. He is also survived by his brothers Richard (Nancy), James, Paul (Cindy), and Dean (Mary), along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jean was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Meredith.

A celebration of Jean's life will be held on Friday, August 9th, with visitation at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Sandstone Evangelical Free Church. A luncheon will follow the service. Internment will take place at Spring Park Cemetery in Sandstone.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.