William Joseph Vanderstappen

Bill Vanderstappen, of Harvard, IL, born December 22, 1955, to Martin and Anna Vanderstappen in Spring Grove, IL passed away peacefully, following a short illness, on September 22, surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Bill grew up in Hebron on a farm with his four siblings, Jane, Jim, John, and Mart. This gave him a strong work ethic and strong family values. He married Sue (Jusevic) Vanderstappen in 1976 while she was a nursing student, and he was beginning his career in land surveying. He was a professional land surveyor in Illinois and Wisconsin. His career began with McHenry County Surveying, and then went on to start his own business, Vanderstappen Surveying, in Woodstock, in 1994 to the present time.

His employees and clients had a high regard for him and knew him to be an honest and fair person. He was respected by all who knew or had dealings with him. Anyone who knew him was touched by him.

He was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Harvard. He was a natural born leader, gently evangelizing and mentoring many people both inside and outside his parish family. He had a great love for our Lord Jesus Christ. He diligently studied his faith, spending many hours learning. His greatest teaching tool was his Christ-like example, always helping those in need, leading a weekly men’s prayer group, partaking in Adoration, member of Knights of Columbus, parish events, and always volunteering when his help was needed.

Bill was a quiet giant of a man. Never looking for accolades or recognition. He did it because he cared about people and had the moral compass to always do the right thing.

Bill was a devoted and loving son, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his loving wife, Sue, of almost 45 years, his daughter Aimee (Pat) Merryman and their children, Madelyn, Patrick, Ben, Brandon, Lilly, and Will; his son Mike and his son Joseph; and his son Andy (Cindy) and their children Emma, Stefani, Audrey, and Chloe. He also leaves behind 24 nieces and nephews. He was honored to be a godfather to Arthur, Sean, Taylor, and Ricky.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, and niece Laura.

Bill’s absence will leave a void in the lives of many and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, September 26, 2021from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with a prayer service at 3:30 pm, at the Schneider Leucht Merwin Cooney Funeral home at 1211 N Seminary Ave. Woodstock, IL. The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 27, 2021 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Harvard. Interment will follow at Linn-Hebron Cemetery in Hebron. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund.

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