Jan Vandegaer

Jan Vandegaer passed away peacefully at his home in Pasadena, Maryland on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. He had been a resident of Pasadena since 1974. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 70 years, Martha J. Vandegaer (nee Strijckmans) on November 30, 2021.

Jan is survived by his son, Koenraad “Konrad” Vandegaer, his daughters Machteld “Micky” Vandegaer Thomas (Glen), Frieda Vandegaer (Tom Cannon) and Ingrid Vandegaer (Walter Croom).  He will be missed by his six grandchildren, Erika Thomas, Paul Cannon (Judy), Marc Cannon (Iz Conroy), Glen Bradley Thomas (Amelia Hadler), Kristen Stetter and Kelly Stetter and six beloved great grandchildren.

Jan was born in Tienen, Belgium to the late Augusta Engelen and Maurits Vandegaer. 

Jan became a citizen of the United States of America in May 1961. He enjoyed traveling with his wife over the years, RVing across his adopted country.

Jan held a doctoral degree in Polymer Chemistry from the University of Louvain in Belgium, and he worked as Director of Research for various chemical companies over his career.

He was an avid boater and in retirement he had a captain’s license and enjoyed taking pleasure boats from Maryland to Florida for their owners. Jan also enjoyed going to the Pasadena Senior Center to play cards in his later years, and he was often seen at the local indoor swimming pools doing his weekly laps.

Jan and his wife Martha were honored as Volunteers for Meals on Wheels in 2002.

A private memorial service for Jan and Martha Vandegaer is planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

 Meals on Wheels (click HERE)

or

Bello Machre - Supporting People with Developmental Disabilities. (click HERE)