Erwin "Van" VanDerWerff, 96 of Spearfish, peacefully went to be with his Lord, on Thursday, March 31, 2016 under Hospice Care at the Belle Fourche Health Care Center, with his son at his side.

Van was born November 28, 1919 on a farm near Harrison, SD to Jake and Clara (Iverson) VanDerWerff. Surviving the depression of the 30's he joined the US Army Air Force in January 1942 one month after the attack on Pearl Harbor. On November 2, 1944 he married his sweetheart, Viola Nyenhuis in Winfield, KS. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the service and was honorable discharged in January 1946, four months after the end of WWII. He and Vi moved to Mitchell, SD where he began his career with retail giant Montgomery Ward. After only one year he was promoted to management over several departments. In 1955, he and Vi lovingly brought their son James into their lives through adoption when he was eight days old. Van continued his career turning down many promotions that would have required relocating. He was very devoted to his customers and friends as they were to him. "Honest Van the Appliance Man" was well known to thousands of people in the Mitchell area. There were very few businesses and households that didn't have at least one Wards item in their possession through him and his salespeople. In 1982 he retired from the company with 36 years of service.

In 1984, he and Vi moved to Spearfish, SD. They lived in the Willow apartments for nine years where he kept busy by detailing cars and golfing. They then moved across the street to the Hickory House where he was employed for 12 years. He loved all the people who lived there and was loved by them. He finally fully retired at the tender young age of only 85! He stayed in the Hickory until last October when he went to the Belle Fourche Healthcare Center.

On June 9, 2007 he lost his beloved Vi to cancer. They shared 62 years together and his broken heart never mended until he joined her in heaven on Thursday.

Throughout his life he was very active with his church families and many civic organizations too numerous to mention. He was an avid hunter, bowler, and really loved his golf. His love for family and friends was beyond compare.

Survivors grateful for sharing his life are his son, Jim, Spearfish; daughter-in-law, Anne (Keith) Bailey, Centennial, CO; grandchildren, Kristi Niehoff, Centennial, CO, Dan VanDerWerff, Denver, CO, Gina Patterson, Littleton, CO; great-grandchildren, Julia Arndt, Palmer Lake, CO, Corbin and Dante Niehoff, Centennial, CO, Theodore VanDerWerff, Denver, CO and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Viola; brother, Jess VanDerWerff and sisters, Margaret VanZee and Sadie VanDerTuin.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 7 at the United Methodist Church in Spearfish, visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and gifts the family would love if we all "pay it forward" to someone in need with the love, compassion, kindness and caring attitude that Van always shared with us.

Van, We Love You and you will be greatly missed.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com