Virg (Westergard) Van Dierendonck

Virg Van Dierendonck, 80, of De Witt, Iowa, and Maricopa, Arizona, died July 13, 2018, in Phoenix after a tiring battle with the physical and neurological effects of multiple strokes. She died at home, with her family, under comforting and supportive hospice care.

Virg was born September 4, 1937, to parents Irene and Nels Westergard near Harrisburg, South Dakota. She graduated from South Dakota State University, with a degree in physical education. While there, she met her husband-to-be, Joe, and after both completed studies, they moved to De Witt to work, build a house, and have a daughter, Jill. Joe earned a BS degree in mechanical engineering, and began a long career at E.I. DuPont’s Clinton, Iowa, plant shortly after graduation. Virg and Joe married February 4, 1961, with dear friends Phyllis and Ralph Jansen witnessing. Virg taught high school physical education in De Witt for several years, labored in Chuck Harrington’s farm fields, coached and officiated youth and high school girls’ sports teams, volunteered with numerous community organizations, and served her church – De Witt United Methodist Church – on several committees and fundraising efforts.

Virg especially enjoyed the sport of bowling. She participated in local leagues, and took her talents to state and national tournaments for more than 25 years. She also assumed league and state bowling leadership roles, and served as executive secretary-treasurer of the Iowa Women’s Bowling Association for nine years. She earned induction to the IWBA Hall of Fame in 1997.

Virg lived in De Witt for most of her adult life, surrounded by great friends on “Harrington Hill.” Several years ago, she and Joe discovered how nice the Phoenix area is during the winter…and started spending the colder months of the year at homes in Mesa, Phoenix and most-recently Maricopa, Arizona.

During months of stroke rehab therapy, Virg (and her family) met many supportive, talented physicians, therapists, and caregivers – people who came into her life somewhat briefly but made unforgettable personal impact.

Family members keeping Virg close in their hearts include her husband, Joe (De Witt, Iowa); daughter Jill, and son-in-law (her favorite) David Hudson (Phoenix); sisters Alice Davis (Omaha) and Nancy Glassgow (Dee) (New Underwood, SD); step-granddaughters Kiley (Christopher) Van Opdorp (Rock Island, IL) and Emily Hudson (Eldridge, IA); and great grandson Hudson Van Opdorp.

A local reception/celebration of life for Virg is planned for September, 2018.

Virg’s family invites friends to consider a memory gift to a favorite charity or organization. Her family will be making legacy gifts to the Frances Banta Waggoner Community Library in De Witt [505 10th Street, De Witt, IA 52742]; Barrow Neurological Foundation [supportbarrow.org]; and Hospice of the Valley (Phoenix) [hov.org].

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt and condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.

For Virg, Find fulfillment and purpose in things you need to do, and lots of joy in all you want to do.

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