Phyllis Vander Wert

Phyllis Anne (Van Hemert) Vander Wert was born April 16, 1929,  to William and Thelma Van Hemert, in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Phyllis attended and graduated from Pella Community Schools.  John and Phyllis were united in marriage on September 2, 1948 at the home of Phyllis' parents.  To this union, four sons were born: Randall Jay, John William, Terry Alan, and Craig David.  John and Phyllis made their home in Pella. Together, they purchased The Garden Square restaurant on the south side of the square.  While owning the restaurant, John also became a rural letter carrier. In 1956, they sold the restaurant and relocated to Council Bluffs then to West Des Moines.  As happy as they were to be closer to home in West Des Moines, Pella was their true home.  They returned to Pella where John continued to work for the Postal Service until 1966 when he started working for Vermeer.  In 1962, when their youngest son started kindergarten, Phyllis started working as the school secretary at Webster Elementary School.  She remained there until 1978 when she became a full-time homemaker and travel companion to John.  They enjoyed travelling together both for business and pleasure.  One of their favorite places to visit was the Lake of the Ozarks where they went on their honeymoon.  Together, they purchased a lake home in Osage Beach MO, where they enjoyed making great memories and wonderful friends. They also enjoyed wintering at their home in Arizona for many years.  Phyllis was a long-standing member of First Reformed Church in Pella where she was active for many years.  Phyllis enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, attending Pella High and Central College sporting events, bible studies, women's social groups, and every day journaling.  John and Phyllis were married for 72 years until John passed in November of 2020.  Phyllis was patiently waiting to be reunited with John and her life was forever changed after his passing.  

Phyllis and John will be laid to rest together in a future graveside service.  

Left to cherish her memory:

Arlene VanderWert (late Randy VanderWert)
     Chad Vander Wert
          Sophie

John W. VanderWert

     Tiffany and Joel Ehler

          Alex and Aanna

     Travis and Julie Vander Wert

          Parker and Logan

Karla VanderWert (late Craig VanderWert) and family

     Angela Remer

          Katen and Ana

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband John, sons Randy, Terry and Craig.  Brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Arlene Van Hemert, parents William and Thelma Van Hemert, parents-in-law, brothers and sisters-in-law.

Memorials will be made to the family and will be shared with Phyllis's church and favorite local charities.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.