Jack Lee Vander Schaaf was born September 22, 1961, to Carl and Shirley (Postma) Vander Schaaf at the Pella Hospital. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Independence, Iowa. Jack spent his growing up years in the idyllic, small-town Iowa of the 60's and the early 70's: riding bikes with the gangs of neighborhood kids, going to Boy Scouts, delivering papers and playing baseball. Playing baseball actually brought about a life event for Jack when he was beaned in the head by a pitch and it was discovered that he really couldn't see that well! Thus, the signature glasses for the rest of his days.

Just before his sophomore year of high school, the family returned to Pella, with two sisters added to the brood, Sue and baby Julie. Jack took the big brother role seriously and was happy to help out with the baby-rocking duties.

Jack attended Pella High School and graduated with the class of 1980. He enjoyed playing football and wrestling during those years.

After high school, Jack attended DMACC and worked on a business degree for a time before joining his dad in the trucking business. For many years, Jack worked alongside Carl. He became known as the guy to call when you needed your gravel spread "just so!" He had a knack for finessing the huge dump truck into the tiniest of spots!

Jack was an avid golfer and was a proud member of the Pella Golf and Country Club where he made many cherished friendships. He also spent time as the innkeeper and bartender at Strawtown Inn. Jack didn't invent the bleu cheese stuffed olive martini, but he did perfect it, making him a favorite mixologist for many.

At the age of 40, Jack had a small stroke while golfing with friends. Medical help was quickly administered by his golf partner/ER doctor and he was able to make a full and quick recovery. Jack responded to that health scare by training himself and running the iconic Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota. Jack proudly crossed that finish line in 2002.

After the deaths of Carl in 2006 and Shirley in 2010 it was time for Jack to move on and live life in the Des Moines area. Being adept at customer service and interested in good food, he ultimately landed at his life-long "happy place" – Hy-Vee, most recently being the face of Mia Pizza at the Grimes store. Here, he endeared himself to customers and staff by always wearing a smile and striving to make customers happy.

Jack was an avid reader. He read the Des Moines Register cover to cover daily, which made him an interesting person to talk to about any current event…or sports…especially the Iowa Hawkeyes, which love he proudly displayed on practically every piece of clothing he owned!

Recently Jack was diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. The condition was quickly affecting him, which he faced with the help of friends, especially one dear friend, Kelsey Hollen, who worked tirelessly to help Jack get the best available health care as his health rapidly declined.

On Tuesday, July 9, Jack was called home.

Those left to cherish his memory are: his many friends and co-workers from his time working at Hy-Vee; his son Carson Shinn of Knoxville; his sister  Sue (Jerry) Janssen of Pella and their children Jake, Cole, and Drew; and his sister Julie (Eric) Reiland and Stewartville, Minnesota and their children Jonathan and Rachel.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Shirley Vander Schaaf.

In lieu of memorials, please do a random act of kindness in honor of Jack.