Michael "Mick" Vandenberg

Michael “Mick” J. Vandenberg Sr. age 82, of Freedom, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, March 7, 2025. Mick was born in Freedom on November 18,1942, to the late Clarence “Mike” and Lorraine (Gonnering) Vandenberg. On September 27, 1962, he married the love of his life, JoAnn Geenen, and together they enjoyed 62 years of marriage. They raised their family and enjoyed their extended family and friends while appreciating their view of Duck Creek and the wildlife that roamed behind their home.

Mick was first a devoted family man, committed to providing for his wife, children and grandchildren. A self-made man, Mick began by selling potatoes and hogs in Iowa before establishing his business “The World’s Largest Little Cattle Company” in Freedom as a livestock dealer. He traveled the country brokering interstate and international shipments of dairy heifers to clients that became friends.  His passion for dealing extended past his cattle business; he thrived when dealing on cars, trucks, lawnmowers, boats, and everything in between. A truly fun-loving man, he enjoyed life to the fullest. Mick will be remembered by all for his jokes, smile, contagious laugh and always doing a silly jig in blue jeans and his cowboy boots.

His true passion was spending time with his family. He loved family dinners, attending his grandkids sporting activities, horse shows and music events, riding in the golf cart and playing cards. He enjoyed driving the skid steer and lawnmower, helping friends and neighbors as he did. He and JoAnn loved having their children and grandchildren close and being a part of their everyday lives. He was man of strong faith, attending weekly mass and participating in daily prayer.

By far his favorite activity was spending time at Legend Lake with his family surrounding him. He transitioned through several lots on the lake-always upgrading - until he had the cottage on the lake with a beautiful view on both sides. He loved cruising for hours on his big blue pontoon “The Party Hut” where he could fit his entire family and even more friends.

Mick is survived by loving wife, JoAnn; his children: Mike (Char) Vandenberg, Kellie (Dr. Kelly) Peters, and Kristie (Michael) Bock; his Grandchildren: Elliot Wyro, Alex (Emily) Wyro and their son, Rayleigh, Carli Peters, Cassandra (Kevin) Vandenlangenberg, Kennedy Peters, Brady Bock, and Caden Bock. He is further survived by his siblings: Vionne (Beaver) Greiner and Lois (Bob) Colson; his sisters and brothers-in-law: Darlene Swinkles, Pat (Patty) Geenen, Rose Beyer, Mike (Karen) Geenen and Kemo Baptist Stevens; and many close nieces, nephews, cousins and friends-especially Jim Gonnering and Pat Schmaltz.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Patricia; granddaughter, Faith Ann Peters; his parents; in-laws, Gerald and Johanna “Sis” Geenen; brothers-in-laws: Gerald (Patricia) Geenen, Lyle Swinkles, and sister-in-law Judy Stevens.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Saint Nicholas Catholic Church, W2037 County Road S, Freedom. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at St Elizabeth’s hospital, Compassus Hospice, and his doctors over the many years for their committed care.  The love and support of numerous family and friends will never be forgotten.

 In memory of our Dad, with deepest gratitude for all the love, the courage, and the laughter of a lifetime. He lives in the hearts of those who loved him. HIS LOVE AND SUPPORT WAS ENDLESS.