Hugh J. Vanderzanden, 91, a resident of the Forest Grove community, died Monday, August 5, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Portland.

HUGH JULIUS VANDERZANDEN was born August 18, 1932 in Verboort, Oregon, the son of the late Peter H. Vanderzanden and Wilhelmina (Vandehey) Vanderzanden. He was raised and received his education in the Verboort community, having been a graduate of the Visitation Parish High School Class of 1950.

He was a Veteran of the Korean conflict, having joined the United States Army on February 25, 1953 in Portland, Oregon. Hugh served for two years until receiving his honorable discharge on January 28, 1955 at Fort Lewis, Washington, at the rank of PFC. He had received several decorations including the National Defense Service Medal; the United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal.

Hugh had worked as a heavy equipment operator for ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation) in Manning for thirty years, until he retired at the age of sixty-two.

He was a member of the Visitation Parish in Verboort; a member of the American Legion Washington Post #2 in Forest Grove and the Martin J. Ryan V.F.W. Post #2666 in Hillsboro.

Among his special interests, he enjoyed woodworking, fishing and bowling, having bowled in several senior leagues as well as Monte Carlo.

Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Wilhelmina Vanderzanden and his wife Bernadine Heineck, his nine brothers and sisters, Clarence, Henry, Sylvester, Genevieve, Jeanette, Antone, Ignatius, Ireene, Bernard as well as his grandson Joseph Vanderzanden, and granddaughter Rebekah Ann Vanderzanden.

Survivors include his eight children and their spouses, Evan and Carolyn Vanderzanden, of Aloha, Oregon; Norman and Mary Vanderzanden, of Hillsboro, Oregon; Joan and Michael Anthony, of Hillsboro, Oregon; Ronald and Martha Vanderzanden, of North Plains, Oregon; Joyce and David DeLozier, of Hillsboro, Oregon; Kelly and Mary Vanderzanden, of Forest Grove, Oregon; Earl Vanderzanden, of Aloha, Oregon and Robert and Billie Jo Vanderzanden, of Hillsboro, Oregon and his brother, Ralph Vanderzanden, of Forest Grove, Oregon. Also surviving are his 24 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

To sign the online guest book or to send a condolence to the family go to www.fuitenrosehoyt.com.

Fuiten, Rose & Hoyt Funeral Home in Forest Grove is entrusted with the arrangements.