Don Swift Vandenberg

life story

He lived his life with purpose, energy and humor.

Don passed away from complications due to Alzheimer's dementia. He was born in Chicago Heights, IL and grew up in Dayton, OH, eventually moving to Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, Isabel and Don Vandenberg, his brothers, Peter and David, and many relatives who helped to shape his love for sailing. He is survived by his "little sister" Judy Boudreau (William) and sons Remi and Croy, his sister-in-law, Susan Vandenberg and sons Bertram and Whitney. He is remembered fondly by his former wife, Leslie, as well as many neighbors and friends.

Having grown up in Dayton, OH, and near Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Don loved airplanes. He meticulously worked on model planes and, to the end of his life, could identify all of them.

Don attended Oakwood H.S. and Miami University (Oxford, OH) with a degree in Business Administration. He was a Dayton police officer for 7 years, and was awarded a special medal of valor for saving a resident from a burning home. He then moved on to business, mostly in security sales. When he moved to Minnesota he was a member of the Kiwanis International Club of St. Paul and a Deacon at the House of Hope in St. Paul.

Private family services are planned for a later time. Keep Don in your heart.