In Memory Of
Richard C. Vandersluis
1933
2014
Richard C. Vandersluis
June 1, 1933 — November 26, 2014
A veteran is being laid to rest out on the plains of Kansas. Richard Charles "Van" VanDerSluis, 81, of Junction City, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at his home with his family by his side.
Richard was born on June 1, 1933 in Jersey City, NJ, and grew up in New Jersey. Richard was the middle of three sons, born to Teunis and Frieda VanDerSluis. His Dad was a native of Rotterdam, Holland and his Mom a Jersey City Girl of German Heritage. He grew up within the full family framework, as both families lived in the Jersey City area.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951. Richard served two tours of duty in Vietnam, earning the distinguished Bronze Star Medal. He had received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal w/1 Silver & 1 Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal 5th Award, Bronze Star Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm, and Expert Badge (rifle). After 24 years of Military service, Sergeant First Class Richard VanDerSluis retired in 1980.
While in the Army, Richard met Sekiko Murayama. They were married in Okinawa, Japan on April 5, 1970. Residents of Junction City since 1977, Richard and Sekiko had two sons, Thomas and Karl. Upon retirement from the Military, Richard worked for the Junction City Water Department for over 10 years, retiring in 1995.
Richard's hobbies included reading, building military models and watching his Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a member of the American Legion and the Military Book Club. Most recently his main passion had been working outside on his land on J-Hill. Richard loved the Flint Hills of Kansas and all wildlife. On many occasions, you would have been able to find him driving around on the old country roads surrounding Junction City admiring the scenery.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Teunis and Frieda VanDerSluis, of Little Ferry, NJ.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years: Sekiko of Junction City, KS; two sons: Thomas (and wife Valerie) of Topeka, KS, Karl (and wife Alicia) of Allentown, PA; four grandchildren: Kya and Kena of Allentown, PA. and Benjamin and Madilyn of Topeka, KS.; two brothers: Thomas of Stroudsburg, PA, and Kenneth (and wife Sue) of Edison, NJ; two nieces: Keri Lyons (VanDerSluis) and Staci Dominguez (VanDerSluis) of NJ; one nephew: Eric VanDerSluis of PA; and their respective families.
A visitation will be held 6-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2014, at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Funeral Chapel, 203 N. Washington Street in Junction City, KS. A graveside service with full military honors will be conducted at 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery 5181 Wildcat Creek Road near Manhattan, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675 or to the Friends of Animals, P.O. Box 580, Junction City, KS 66441.
Taps has now sounded for your last time. Rest in peace Great Soldier, Husband, Dad, Brother and Opa. You will be forever missed.
Richard was born on June 1, 1933 in Jersey City, NJ, and grew up in New Jersey. Richard was the middle of three sons, born to Teunis and Frieda VanDerSluis. His Dad was a native of Rotterdam, Holland and his Mom a Jersey City Girl of German Heritage. He grew up within the full family framework, as both families lived in the Jersey City area.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951. Richard served two tours of duty in Vietnam, earning the distinguished Bronze Star Medal. He had received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal w/1 Silver & 1 Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal 5th Award, Bronze Star Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm, and Expert Badge (rifle). After 24 years of Military service, Sergeant First Class Richard VanDerSluis retired in 1980.
While in the Army, Richard met Sekiko Murayama. They were married in Okinawa, Japan on April 5, 1970. Residents of Junction City since 1977, Richard and Sekiko had two sons, Thomas and Karl. Upon retirement from the Military, Richard worked for the Junction City Water Department for over 10 years, retiring in 1995.
Richard's hobbies included reading, building military models and watching his Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a member of the American Legion and the Military Book Club. Most recently his main passion had been working outside on his land on J-Hill. Richard loved the Flint Hills of Kansas and all wildlife. On many occasions, you would have been able to find him driving around on the old country roads surrounding Junction City admiring the scenery.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Teunis and Frieda VanDerSluis, of Little Ferry, NJ.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years: Sekiko of Junction City, KS; two sons: Thomas (and wife Valerie) of Topeka, KS, Karl (and wife Alicia) of Allentown, PA; four grandchildren: Kya and Kena of Allentown, PA. and Benjamin and Madilyn of Topeka, KS.; two brothers: Thomas of Stroudsburg, PA, and Kenneth (and wife Sue) of Edison, NJ; two nieces: Keri Lyons (VanDerSluis) and Staci Dominguez (VanDerSluis) of NJ; one nephew: Eric VanDerSluis of PA; and their respective families.
A visitation will be held 6-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2014, at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Funeral Chapel, 203 N. Washington Street in Junction City, KS. A graveside service with full military honors will be conducted at 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at the Kansas Veterans' Cemetery 5181 Wildcat Creek Road near Manhattan, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675 or to the Friends of Animals, P.O. Box 580, Junction City, KS 66441.
Taps has now sounded for your last time. Rest in peace Great Soldier, Husband, Dad, Brother and Opa. You will be forever missed.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard C. Vandersluis, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Johnson & Mass-Hinitt
Graveside Service
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)
Kansas Veterans' Cemetery - 5181 Wildcat Creek Road - Manhattan
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