Daniel Vander Wal

Daniel Vander Wal, 53, of Strasburg, N.D. passed away on Wednesday, July 4, 2018, at Sanford Medical Center, Sioux Falls, SD, after a long battle with interstitial fibrosis.
    He was born on March 16, 1965, in Bismarck, ND, the fourth of nine children born to Willis and Jane (Pool) Vander Wal of rural Pollock, S.D. He grew up on the family farm and attended school at Pollock, graduating in 1983. Dan received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Northern State in 1987. He later received a Master’s Degree in Education, also from Northern. He taught in several schools during his teaching career including Jud, N.D., Murdo, S.D. two years, 1993-1994 and 1994-1995 as well as at Aberdeen and Leola, S.D.
    In 2014 Dan was forced into early retirement for health reasons. He moved back to the Pollock area until 2017 when he moved to Strasburg, N.D. He was a member of Hope Reformed Church in Westfield. When he lived in Jones County, he attended the Evangelical Free Church at Okaton, S.D.
    Dan had a love for fishing. In the summer he could often be found out on his boat with a friend or family member. He was often seen with his video camera photographing family get-togethers, farm activities, wildlife or anything that he could put on film. His many photographs will be cherished forever. Dan loved taking his nieces and nephews to the “campsite” making memories for the next generation. He also enjoyed music, playing guitar, hunting, attending the Sturgis bike rally, and WE Fest (world’s largest country music and camping festival). He was known for his infectious smile and big heart. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
    Dan is survived by his parents, Willis and Jane, rural Pollock; his eight siblings, Dean (Marcia), Raymore, MO, Carter (Merlynn), rural Pollock, Cody (Janel), rural Pollock, Austin (Sheila), Washburn, ND, Tyler (Jamie), New Salem, ND, Jewel Mosset, Strasburg, Parker (Sarah), Argusville, ND, and Crystal Rohrich, Bismarck; nieces and nephews, Melissa, Aimee, Tanie, Ben, Jared, Collin, Travis, Kier, Jocilynn, Janetta, Jakob, Emma, Alaina, Hannah, Sienna, Naomi, Luke, Robin, Kolby, Brody, Rubey, Lilly, Devan, Owen, Hunter, Conner, Gabriel, and Zach; and great-nieces and nephews, Elleah, Eli, Teagen, Maddox, Vada and Jake.
    Dan is also survived by his cousin, Joyce Roghair, of Okaton.
    He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Albert and Elzina Vander Wal and Dick and Annetta Pool.   
    A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 9, 2018 at Hope Reformed Church, Westfield, N.D., with burial at Dale Cemetery, Emmons County, N.D.
    Music at Dan’s service included an hour of piano-played hymns, congregational hymns “When We See Christ” and “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder,” Jewel Mosset’s violin rendition of “It is Well With My Soul”, Melissa Allen’s vocal solo, “What a Day That Will Be” and two duets by Dan’s cousin Derry Pool and his father Jerome, which were “I Won’t Have to Worry Anymore” and “Only Here For a Little While.”
    Casket bearers were Dan’s brothers: Dean, Carter, Cody, Austin, Tyler and Parker. Honorary bearers were his nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Ushers were Rick Van Beek and Sheldon Droog.
    Ladies of the community prepared and served a delicious meal to the many, many folks who attended the Celebration of Life of Daniel Karl Vander Wal.

The Pioneer Review

221 E. Oak Street
Philip, SD 57567
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