John Allen VanDerBosch

John Allen VanDerBosch

August 27, 1957 - February 17, 2026

John Allen VanDerBosch was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend who passed away on February 17th at the age of 68.

John was born on August 27th, 1957 to Ken and Lois VanDerBosch in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was raised primarily in St. Paul along side his eight siblings - including his twin sister Judie, moving to Hugo, MN in high school. John graduated from Stillwater Area High School, where he was introduced to the love of his life, Deb. They married on October 3rd, 1985 and raised two hard-working sons, Chris and Travis. Their home included several beloved pets over the years, but none captured John's heart quite like his beagle, Fred - his loyal companion and favorite fishing buddy.

John cherished and valued his relationships with friends and family and was always quick to lend a hand with any project. A skilled craftsman, he took pride in sharing his knowledge of automobiles and carpentry with his sons, spending many weekends - often perfecting things to a fault - on house projects throughout the VanDerBosch family homes.

John was an avid fisherman who found peace and purpose on the water, fishing as close to year-round as Minnesota would allow. Some of his happiest moments were spent on the lake with his son Chris, casting for northerns and enjoying the quiet companionship that only fishing brings. In retirement, John and Deb made their home in Waterville, Minnesota, finding their sanctuary on the lake - as close to the water, and the fish he loved, as he could possibly be.

John and Deb also shared a love of travel, taking cross-country road trips to explore the United States together. Whether visiting favorite destinations like New Orleans and Jackson Hole or discovering somewhere new, John could always be counted on to find a nearby lake and wet a line. No matter where the road led, the water was never far from his heart.

John is preceded in death by his parents Ken and Lois VanDerBosch, son Travis VanDerBosch, and sisters Karen Webster and Nancy Davidson.

He is survived by his wife Deb, son Chris (Eva), granddaughters Aubrey & Sophie, siblings Gary (Kate), Judie (Ted), Kevin, Paula, Mike (Angela), and Brian (Karen), brother-in-law Tony Davidson and beloved extended family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 1st at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater MN 55082. Beginning with a visitation from 11:00am - 12:30pm, followed by a celebration of life at 12:30pm with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated.