WILHELMINA KLASINA DE GROOT VANDENBURG
Wilhelmina Klasina de Groot Vandenburg was born on October 28, 1928, in Noordwijkerhout, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands, to her father, Cornelis, and mother, Maria. She had six sons and five daughters with Martinus Leonardus Vandenburg. She died on October 23, 2017, in Stockton, California, at the age of 88.
Wilhelmina and Martinus raised two children, Leonard and Ria, in Holland then immigrated to the United States in 1954. They lived on dairies in Lodi, Galt, and Elk Grove. In the summer of 1963, they purchased a dairy farm in Galt on Kost Road where they raised their 11 children.
From a very early age in Holland when she helped raise her brothers and sisters or in California with her children, she managed various responsibilities and kept daily family life orderly and efficient. Her fundamental, moral, personal, and Christian values provided a sense of continuity, security, and unity to her entire family.
Her fondest memories of life were during World War II. The whole family would sit around the table at the end of the day as her father read from a single candlelight. She liked it because she was close to her father and everybody in the family was safe.
She was a fantastic homemaker and cook. Her children maintain that she made the best blackberry pie in world history and everyone loved her warm freshly baked bread with melted butter and sugar.
She was an active volunteer at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church and many churches over the years helping spread the good news to our entire community.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Martinus Vandenburg on June 22, 2001. She is survived by her children, Leonard Vandenburg of Ripon, Ria Vandenburg Jones of Lodi, Anneke Wall of Stockton, Wilma Bianchi of Lodi, Casey Vandenburg of Herald, Martin Vandenburg of Galt, Bernadette Andersen of Morada, Victor Vandenburg of Acampo, Jay Vandenburg of Galt, Helena Monica of Lodi, and Joe Vandenburg of Sunnyvale.
Wilhelmina is survived by her two sisters, eight brothers, 28 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Viewing will be on Wednesday, October 25th from 1-6 p.m. and the Rosary will be at 6 p.m. at Ben Salas Funeral home in Galt.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Christopher’s Church in Galt at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 26th followed by interment at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi. Lunch and reception will be held at the American Legion Hall in Lodi. Ben Salas Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Wilhelmina’s name to The Hospice House of San Joaquin.
Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/guestbook.