Joey A. Durand

Joey Ann Durand, 83, of Mesa, known to many as Grandma Jo, was welcomed into heaven Friday, May 8, 2009 by her Lord. Her husband James had been waiting for her to join him since 1977.

Catherine and Jerry Huddlestun, her daughter and son-in-law of Mesa; sons James Durand of Kansas and Timothy Durand of North Carolina; 10 grandchildren, grandchildren-in-law, great grandchildren and many friends are left to comfort each other.

She currently attended Brown Road Baptist Church in Mesa. She had previously attended First Baptist Church of Fountain Hills and Ponderosa Baptist in Payson.

She volunteered with the Payson Elementary School Band and played trumpet in the Rim Civic Orchestra. She was known for the character “Grandma Joenes,” which she loved to perform in the talent shows and church skits.

Her sweet spirit, love for life and humor will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

Alice Odin

Alice Odin, 85, a retired registered nurse, passed away May 11, 2009. She was born April 27, 1924 to Helge and Carrie Lee, in Ross, Minn. where she grew up and attended school.

After high school she attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. for two years. From there she went to the Lutheran Deaconess Hospital in Minneapolis where she received her RN degree. She worked as a nurse for more than 50 years.

On Sept. 7, 1947 she married Clyde R. Odin who was a federal wildlife biologist. They retired to Arizona in 1985. Clyde, her husband of 54 years, died in 2002.

She is survived by her sons, David (Jan) Odin, Jamestown, N.D., Michael (Pat), Eagle River, Alaska, John, Reno, Nev. and Mark (Karen), Chandler; daughter Cynthia (Russell) Parker, Williamston, Mich.; seven grandchildren, Matthew (Sara) Odin, Jennifer (Brett) Thielges, Adam and Andrea Parker, Kyle Odin, Cierra and Cienna Odin; her sister Stella (Howard) Osborn; and brother-in-law, Lloyd (Muriel) Odin.

A memorial service will be held Monday, June 8, at 10 a.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 16150 E. El Lago Blvd., Fountain Hills. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to: Sojourn Care, 7975 N. Hayden Rd., #A-205, Scottsdale, AZ. 85258.

The family wants to thank Care Ministry, friends and neighbors for all the kindness and love that they have shown their mother.

Arrangements by Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary.

John Van Der Werf Sr.

John T. Van Der Werf Sr., 92, affectionately known as “Van,” went to be with our Lord and Savior on May 13, 2009.

He was born May 15, 1916 to Bertha and Fred Van Der Werf in Chicago, Ill. He was preceded in death by his two younger brothers, Fred and Jerome, and his beloved wife of 66 years, Patricia (Pat).

He is survived by his six children; Carole (Bill Wood), John (Lynn), Paul (Debra), Jim, Edward (Roxanne) and Barbara (Mark Russo), 18 grandchildren and nine great- grandchildren.

Van and Pat met at a dance club were they loved to dance the Jitterbug, Two-Step and the Lindy. They were married after a four-year courtship in Chicago on April 19, 1941. The couple moved their young family to Arizona from Chicago, arriving in Phoenix on April 1, 1955.

Van founded Border Products Corporation in 1955. This family corporation has impacted the commercial construction industry throughout the state of Arizona, southern California and Nevada. Over the generations, the Valley of the Sun has grown into the metropolis that it is today and Border Products has had an active role in this commercial development.

Van and Pat raised their family attending St. Gregory's Catholic Church and School during the ‘50s and ‘60s. Their contributions aided in the expansion and growth of the church and school buildings.

They spent some of their leisure time camping and at the RONS Club, where the children enjoyed swimming during the Arizona summers.

Van and Pat moved to Fountain Hills in 1973 and were one of the first residents on Kingstree Blvd. With a view of the Fountain, every hour someone would exclaim, “Van, the Fountain’s on!”

Van served and helped develop the Fountain Hills Road District in the early ‘70s. He was instrumental in the design and development of the Fountain Festival of the Arts, where he volunteered his time for many years to make it one of the Valley’s premier art shows, bringing visitors and dollars into the community.

He financially supported the Fountain Hills Art Council and League. He was involved in the design, building and financial sponsorship of the Church of the Ascension Roman Catholic Church, where he ushered and greeted parishioners for over 25 years.

Van was an original member of the Fountain Hills Historical Society and was involved in the creation and progression of the society and museum. He generously contributed educationally and financially to the Fountain Hills Historical Society and also donated numerous historical items to the Fountain Hills museum.

Van was one of the founding fathers of “The Club,” a men's club established in 1978 where members enjoy sports, games, food and companionship. He was an original member of the Noon Kiwanis, a charitable organization to aid youths and the needy, and was active in the establishment of the Fountain Hills club.

Van was a founding member of the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce. As a successful businessman in the State of Arizona, he understood the importance of promotion and publicity to assist in the achievements of local business and town growth.

Van was an honest man and his word was his badge. As a man of integrity, he earned the respect of this business associates, the community and most importantly his family. He was generous to all.

For relaxation he enjoyed spending time in the White Mountains. He and Pat spent many summers at their log cabin in Show Low. He enjoyed fishing and playing cards; his grandchildren will tell you he was a very competitive “Spoons” player.

He golfed for more than 40 years, even though he would eventually be declared legally blind. Van had a wonderful sense of humor, was quick with a smile and always had an attitude of gratitude.

Join his family in celebrating his life on Thursday, May 21, at 10 a.m. at Church of the Ascension, 12615 Fountain Hills Blvd., Fountain Hills.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in his memory to Hospice of the Valley, 5111 N. Scottsdale Rd., No. 108, Scottsdale, AZ.  85250.

“Van, the Fountain’s on!”