John R. Vander Veen, 64 of Sergeant Bluff, passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at his residence.

A Celebration of John's life will be held from 5-8 pm Sunday at Waterbury Funeral Service. A Memorial Service will be held 11 am Friday, July 26, 2013 at the Stanchfield Baptist Church in Stanchfield, Minnesota. Burial will be in the Stanchfield Baptist Cemetery.

John was born on April 23, 1949 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Kort and Elizabeth (Bartholomaus) Vander Veen. John moved to Sioux City in 1974. On June 22, 1974 John was united in marriage to Grace Gonshorowski.

John was a carpet and vinyl installer. During the mid 1980’s, John helped start Knova’s Carpets. In 1995 he purchased Discount Carpets.

John enjoyed going to the races, and also sponsored many racing teams at Jefferson Speedway over the years. John also enjoyed playing cards. He was a friend of Bill W for over 30 years.

John is survived by his wife Grace, three sons, William and his friend Carol of Sioux City, Daniel and his wife Kimberly of Sioux City and Michael of Sergeant Bluff; one brother, Kort “Allen” Vander Veen and his wife Sue of Albertville, Minnesota and one sister, Cheryl and her husband Darin Mack of Grantsburg, Wisconsin; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and one son and two daughters from a previous marriage.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Connie Hockert.