Ivan Lee Vander Steen was born November 10, 1957 to Cornie & Ida Vander Steen in Pipestone, Minnesota. He grew up near Leota, Minnesota on a farm and graduated from Southwest Christian High School.
He met Leanne through his cousin, Curt. They dated 1 ½ years and were married September 8, 1978. They continued to live in the farm house he grew up in and took over the farming operations. They welcomed their first child, Kristi, in 1980 and their only son, Justin, followed shortly after in 1981. They sold the farm in 1982 and made the trek to Oakdale, California where he started work as a herdsman on S&H Dairy. They welcomed their third child, Amanda, in 1983 and a few years later, Ashley, joined the family in 1987. The family made many life long memories there until the move was made to Fred A. Douma Dairy located in Tracy, California in 2001. He thoroughly enjoyed the work he did and friendships made at each dairy.
He loved outdoor activities including camping, fishing and skiing. He loved ALL food and was always planning the days meals before finishing his breakfast. He was never the one to let an opportunity to give someone a hard time pass him by. He was happiest when the family was together and he could enjoy all nine of his precious grandchildren.
It was April 2015 that we received the terrible news of his first cancer diagnosis. This diagnosis unfortunately forced him to hang up his coveralls and boots and move to Ripon, California in 2017. He fought long and hard and was received into the arms of Jesus on December 25, 2018.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Leanne. His children; Kristi (Matt) Junqueiro of Ripon, CA, Justin (Lexi) Vander Steen of Waterford, CA, Amanda (Kris) Klein of Salida, CA, and Ashley (Eddie) Mulder of Escalon, CA. Nine grandchildren; Kadence, Everly, Barrett, Kailey, Evan, Brenna, Reagan, Keira and Levi. Sisters; Betty (Larry) Van Essen, Kaye (Gene) Fransen, Connie (Jim) Kille and his brother-in-law Roy (Helen) Vanden Bosch. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lou Vanden Bosch.
“In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Escalon CRC – Christian Education Program).