of Kerrville, TX
July 29, 1936 - June 18, 2025
- Obituary
- Guestbook
John was a veteran of the Korean War and served in the Army, with an honorable discharge. After his military service, John worked for the Huffy Corporation as a Tool and Die maker, where they produced twenty-two thousand bikes per day. Working his way up, John later became CEO of Huffy Sports. John was an avid golfer, hunter, car enthusiast, and inventor. He received numerous trophies and accolades for his cars and was active in car shows and their associated charities in the central Texas area. In his career as an engineer and leader, John penned patents for the recumbent tricycle and the freestanding basketball hoop.
In the last weeks of John's life, he was able to say good-bye to his friends and family, professed his love for his family and the Lord, and could not have asked for a better life after eighty-eight years.
John was preceded in death by his siblings Jacque Farrell, Betty Sayers, Pete VanderKam, Arden Roy and grandson, Brian LaDue.
Survivors include his wife Gaylyn Dieringer, his children son John Eric VanderKam, daughter Melinda LaDue and husband Jack LaDue, and Bing VanderKam, step-children Derek Dieringer and wife Katie Dieringer, Collin Dieringer and wife Linley Dieringer, and his grandchildren Brandon, Katelynn and husband Dylan Thompson Jackson, Maggie, Molly, Tucker, and Harper, and his great-grandchildren Marissa Sell-LaDue, Landon LaDue and Owynn, Kash, Kennedy, Paisley Thompson.
Memorials may be given to the Hill Country Veteran's Center, 411 Meadow View Lane, Kerrville, Texas 78028, in memory of John VanderKam.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the Kerrville VA hospital and New Century Hospice for the tremendous help they have provided to the end.
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6 Condolence(s)
Rick Vander Kam
CLINTON, WA
Saturday, June 21, 2025
So many memories of Uncle John! He put a Honda 175cc engine in a small, one-seater mini-dune buggy. Super fast and hard to keep the frontend down. And yes the '32 Ford Model A roadster. I remember the pool parties at his house in West Covina when we were kids. I built my first road bike from parts he gave me. So many memories!
Rob McCutcheon
Kerrville, TX
Friday, June 20, 2025
Big John, as I lovingly referred to him. When he lived on 173, I would drive by and honk and wave to him, as I went to and from town. We put a roof on one of his out buildings. I got to know some of his friends and everyone loved him. May the Lord comfort those left behind. He's in a better place due to his relationship with Jesus Christ. We'll miss him but we will see him again.
Andy Magee
Kerrville, TX
Friday, June 20, 2025
I enjoyed visits with John up until a few days ago. I’m so glad I had the privilege to pray with John on that last visit.
Gaylyn, may God bless you as you move forward. I’m thankful for the good times we had together.
Gary B Selgrath
Kerrville, TX
Friday, June 20, 2025
John was a unique character. I love his personality and confidence.
Doug Hug
Kerrville, TX
Friday, June 20, 2025
John, was a good guy and I always enjoyed his company. He was crotchety at times, but always amusing. A friend who was willing to help you in need. My condolences to Gaylyn and his family! God bless y’all!
Paul Jongedyk
Nekoosa, WI
Friday, June 20, 2025
My memories of John are good ones. John was 10 years older and since he lived in California and my family lived in Wichita we only saw each other at family gatherings. Once my mother, Jacqueline Farrell, and I moved to the Los Angeles area in 1960 we saw each a little more often. I remember the really cool 32 Ford roadster that he was building in his garage and how he helped me get a used 3 speed bike with ape hanger handlebars. Later when he moved out to the Upland area I remember the really nice 4th of July pool parties. We will miss John and believe he will be in the good hands of our Lord Jesus Christ.