Nick VanWingerden

Nicolaas E. VanWingerden, 71, of rural Granville, passed away on January 16, 2025, at OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Peru.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025 at First Baptist Church of LaSalle 200 24th St. LaSalle, IL 61301. 

Service will be at 11 a.m. following the visitation at the church.  Jared Cochran will officiate.  Burial will be in Granville Cemetery at 2 p.m. following the luncheon.

Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel will be assisting the family with the arrangements.

Nick was born on February 8, 1953, in Paterson, New Jersey, to Aart and Cora (Huizer) VanWingerden.  He married the love of his life, Margie Kostellic, on October 27, 1978. Together, they raised six children and were thrilled to welcome all of their grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Margie; three sons, Lenny, Jared, and Nickolas; three daughters, Jolene, Valerie, and Mikayla. He had ten grandchildren: Colton, Nicholas, Wyatt, Aleah, Will, Philip, Allan, Lily, Josie, and Wells. Also surviving are thirteen siblings: Len, Case, Maryka, John, Lona, Joe, Arie, Rose, Rich, Bob, Art, Tina, and Ken.

Nick was the owner of Mid American Growers. He attended First Baptist Church of LaSalle and later Grace Bible Fellowship of Peru, where he served as Deacon, Elder, and high school Sunday school teacher. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, traveling, flying airplanes, DIY projects, attending auctions, and emergency “meetings” at the Tastee Freez. After retirement, he worked full-time for his youngest daughter, Mikayla.

Nick was always generous with his time and resources with his family and friends, his community, and toward the less fortunate all over the world. He instilled these values into his children and felt it was very important to pass them down to his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Aart and Cora VanWingerden, and two brothers, Bill and Tom VanWingerden.

Memorial contributions will be designated to local emergency services.

Online condolences may be made to his family at www.dcfunerals.com

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