June 15, 1935– June 7, 2025

Henry W. Van Dam, 89, Chandler, Minn., passed away at Avera Dougherty Hospice in Dell Rapids, S.D., on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, June 14, 2025, with burial at the Chandler Memorial Cemetery.

Henry W. Van Dam was born on a farm northwest of Chandler to Henrietta (Roghair) and Gerhart Van Dam, Sr., on June 15, 1935.  When Henry was 5 years old, they moved to a farm northeast of Edgerton, Minn., where he grew up. Henry helped on the family farm and as a teenager, he helped with custom work in the area. When he was 19, he started working at Sturdevants in Pipestone, Minn.

At 21 years old, Henry married Velva Jean Bothof on August 2, 1956. They lived in Pipestone for six months and then moved to a farm northeast of Edgerton where they lived and farmed for over 50 years. They raised four children, Roger Lee, Ivan Glenn, Darla Jean, and Judy Lynn. In 2007 they moved to Chandler.

Henry loved his family and worked hard to provide a good life for them. He farmed the land, milked cows, repaired tractors for local farmers, and sold skid loaders. He taught his kids and grandkids the value of a good day’s work. He was very proud of his family and all their accomplishments.

When Henry retired from milking cows, he spent winters with Velva in Texas and enjoyed traveling the country visiting family and friends. When asked “What do you want us to tell people?” he replied, “I lived a good life, and I have a great family.”

Henry is survived by his wife, Velva; his sons, Roger (Mary) Van Dam of Redwood Falls, Minn., and Ivan (Lisa) Van Dam of Ocala, Fla.; son-in-law Ryan Remmers of Ocoee; daughter, Judy (Kevin) Versteeg of Sioux Falls, S.D.; 13 grandchildren; 12 ½ great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Darla Jean, parents, two sisters, and one brother.