Herbert “Herb” Joseph VanderZanden, 65, a resident of the Verboort community; passed away peacefully on November 7, 2021. He was surrounded by family, in the comfort of his home. 

Herb was born on February 12, 1956 in Hillsboro, OR. He was the sixth of eight children born to Clarence and Erma (Meeuwsen) VanderZanden. Raised in Roy, OR, he attended St. Francis Catholic Grade School thru 8th Grade.  He attended Banks High School and graduated with the Class of 1974.  As a teenager, Herb enjoyed playing football and was recognized as part of the 1973 AA All State Football Team. In the summertime, you could find Herb working at local farms in the Roy area or at a nearby creek with neighborhood friends. 

He met his future wife, Charlene VanDyke, in 1973 while at the county fair. They began dating the following May and were engaged Christmas Eve, 1975.  Herb and Charlene were united in marriage on September 18, 1976 at Visitation Catholic Church. They built their home in Verboort, OR and filled it with three beautiful daughters. 

Herb supported his family in a career as a Maintenance Mechanic. He began with Tektronix and moved to Clean Water Services.  In September 2017, Herb and Charlene retired together.

Throughout his life Herb had a variety of interests.  Camping, hunting, fishing, and searching for the elusive clam were a few of his outdoor favorites.  Herb was dedicated to his family and made time for road trips, playing games, and BBQing with friends and family.  A game player at heart, some of his favorites were playing pinochle, cribbage, and other board games. Herb liked to keep busy; at home he could be found puttering in his yard, garden, and woodshop.  When relaxing, Herb liked to watch old westerns and learn about American History.  

As empty nesters, Herb and Charlene loved to travel.  One of their favorite pastimes was spending time at the beach, always ready for whale watching.  Herb and Charlene had a heart for adventure and had visited most of the western United States on road trips.  They had the opportunity go on multiple cruises and appreciated discovering new places and sights on the water.  When traveling closer to home, their children and grandchildren would often join them for time together at camp.

Herb was a dedicated member of his community.  The Verboort Dinner held a special place for him, as he dedicated 45 years to volunteering his time and expertise smoking sausage.  Herb was also a master smoker at home and would often have his family and friends over to make sausage and pepperoni stick in his own smokehouse.  Friends could rely on Herb if ever they needed a helping hand.

He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers; Vern, Steve, and Jim VanderZanden. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Charlene; and three daughters and their spouses: Jennifer and Kerry Meeuwsen of Aloha, Janel and Scott Campbell of Scappoose, Jill and Matthew Bilka of Dundee.  Seven grandchildren: Taylor and Zach Meeuwsen, Jonah and Dylan Campbell, and Dean, Sam and Peter Bilka.

Additional survivors include, siblings and in-laws: Pat and Lori VanderZanden of Aurora, Barbara McBeth of Hillsboro, Janet and Allen VanDyke of Verboort, Scott and Susie VanderZanden of Roy, OR, Diane VanderZanden of Forest Grove, Betty VanderZanden of Roy, Kevin VanDyke of Portland, Bev and Dave Schalk of Wilsonville, and Jan and Steve Foltz of Tigard as well as numerous nieces and nephews.