In 1930, Lambert C. and Anna M. (van Helvoirt) Verhoeven, came to America from Holland. Six months later on Tuesday, January 5, 1931, they welcomed the family’s first born American citizen, John Lambert Verhoeven. The younger of two children, John spent most of his years in Minneapolis.
At a young age, he took a fond interest in the outdoors. John loved speed skating with his dad, fishing, hunting and helping his dad in the shoe store. A passion for animals, John enjoyed raising and training Homing Pigeons, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. An active member of the County 4H club, he also obedient trained and showed the dogs, earning many awards along the way.
Graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1951, John was a wrestler and on the school football team. Stretching the truth a bit, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserves before the age of 16. After graduation, John proudly served in the Korean War as a lineman, where he strung communication lines for an additional 14 months.
On Friday, September 16, 1955, John married Dolores Ruth Dindinger at St Helena’s Catholic Church in Minneapolis, MN. They were blessed with four children, Tim, Theresa, John Jr. and Mark. Together, they enjoyed annual family vacations, camping and traveling around the United States and watching movies at the local drive-ins. He looked forward to the annual trips to Canada fishing. Passing down his interest of the outdoors and animals, John loved to take his children fishing and hunting of water fowl, pheasant and deer. He also involved them in showing of the dogs at the local and state fairs. As a family, they spent countless hours riding snowmobiles and four wheelers in northern Minnesota.
For most of John’s career was spent as a tool and die maker for local companies. Retiring at the age of 71, he then worked part time, as a parts runner for NAPA. An active community member, John was involved in the Prior Lake Snowmobile Association, Scott County Snow Trails and the Prior Lake V.F.W.
Even in his darkest days of the passing of his wife, Dolores on February 16, 1980 and his son, John on September 15, 1999. Both sudden deaths, John was still able to live life to the fullest. He was passionate about the outdoors and circling himself around a loving family and dedicated friends. A man of great compassion and a gentle heart, John was a loving, and caring dad and grandpa.
A resident of Elko, John, age 81, passed away in the presence of his family on the evening hours of Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the Belle Plaine Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine, MN.
Forever loved, John will be deeply missed by his children, Tim (LuVerne) Verhoeven of New Prague, Theresa (Gary) Wenzel of Prior Lake, Mark (Cathy) Verhoeven of New Prague; grandchildren, Anna Wenzel, John III, Michael, Matthew, Tony and Kaylee Verhoeven; great-grandson, Tegan Wenzel; sister, Ann Backer of Richfield; nieces, nephew, other loving relatives and friends.
John is preceded in death by his wife, Dolores; son, John Jr.; granddaughter, Nicki Verhoeven; brother-in-law, Robert Backer.
Pall bearers for John will be his grandchildren and great-grandson.
Visitation will be on Sunday, March 11 from 4-7 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and one hour prior to the mass at church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, March 12 at 11 a.m., at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church 24425 Old Hwy 13 Blvd, Jordan, MN, with the Prior Lake V.F.W. Honor Guard being present. Father Orlando Tatel will officiate. John will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, with full military honors provided by the Fort Snelling National Cemetery Volunteer Rifle Squad.
