Kermit Vandervelde

Kermit Vandervelde, 89, of Fort Wayne, IN passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023.  Born on June 10, 1934, in Benton, IA, he was the son of the late William and Alice (Helms) Vandervelde.  Kermit received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Iowa State University.  After graduating college, he honorably served his country in the United States Air Force.  Kermit worked in sales for Square D Company for 30 years until his retirement.  When not working, he enjoyed “any sport that involved a ball,” especially golf, which he tried to play 3 to 4 times a week.  Kermit was a fan of Iowa State athletics, the Indianapolis Colts and the St. Louis Cardinals.  He was a licensed pilot and a member of the Optimist Club.  Family was important to Kermit, and he enjoyed the time he spent with his three grandchildren.  Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 33 years, Judith E. Vandervelde; son, David (Barbara) Vandervelde; son-in-law, Scott Appel; grandchildren, Evan (Natalie) Appel, Austin Appel, Ashley (Austin) Vandervelde-Robinson; great-grandson, William Vandervelde Appel, and sister, Opal Longino.  Kermit was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith A. Vandervelde and his daughter, Ann Vandervelde Appel.  A Celebration of Life will be held in Fort Wayne at a later date, and Kermit will be laid to rest in his home state of Iowa.  Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be left at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.org for the family.