Alfred Vandersommen

Alfred "Al" Vandersommen, 93, completed his life's journey on August 30th, 2017 at 6:18AM, at the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center, supported by family.

AI was born on August 22nd, 1924 in Barton, Ohio. He was the son of the late John and Nellie (Worrell) Vandersommen. On July 20th, 1947 he married Dorothy M. Schriner who preceded him in death on November 2, 2003.

Mr. Vandersommen served his country with pride as 1st Sgt., US Army Medical Division from 1943-1946. He retired from the J.C. Penney Co., after 42 years of dedicated service, working his way up from stock boy to management. His dedication and phenomenal work ethics were passed on to his three daughters by example.

AI was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, in Van Wert, and various other churches in cities in Ohio and Michigan. He served his churches in membership, by being a Deacon, Elder and Trustee. He served his community as a member of #1078 American Legion, volunteered for the American Red Cross at Van Wert Co. Hospital, the Gideons, Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Kiwanis. He also enjoyed his membership at the YMCA and Silver Sneakers. He loved the Van Wert community and Winters in Florida, valuing many friendships made along the way and family times together.

He is survived by three daughters, loved and cherished by their parents: Karen (Wayne) Dixon of Ruskin, FI., Cherie Conrad and Carol (Randy) Springer of Van Wert. Extended family include, Ed Hammond, Chris Rafalski, Carl Rogers, Hal Shafer, Vickie Foster, and Jackie Temple who all made him feel very special and loved.

Surviving Grandchildren are: Sue (Eric) Alvarez-Stairhime, Michelle Waggoner, Christy (Mike) Wortman, Nathan Conrad, Stephanie Conrad (Chris Rafalski), Niki (Barry) Taraczkozy and family, Kit (Scott) Henson and family, Tina Muncy and family, Scott (Jill) Springer, Brandon (Jess) Springer.

Great Grandchildren include: Alyssa (Eric) Putman, Jacob Wortman, Elijah Wortman, Carley Springer, Devann Springer, Grace Springer, Julia Springer, Taylor Springer, Gage Springer, Gavin Scholton, Savannah Springer, Kolton Springer, Noah Waggoner, Nic (Alyssa) Alvarez and family, Jordon Alvarez, and Logan Alvarez.

Great-great Grandchildren are: Easton, Addison and Maddon Putman.

Also surviving are a sister, Doris Renz of Bradenton, FL; a niece Debby (Sam) Mining of Texas, and a nephew Gary Renz of Florida.

He was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Waggoner in 1966, and a grandson, Brent Waggoner in 2016.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, September 23rd at the First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert with Rev. Hal Shafer officiating. Private burial will be in Woodland Cemetery.

Calling hours are from 11-12:00 noon at the church, prior to the service in the main entry foyer of the church.

Preferred memorials are to the First Presbyterian Church, Gideons, or Van Wert CHP Hospice.