On Friday, December 27 th , 2024, Frances Jeanette (Gerber) Vandersteen, age 95, passed away
at home in Crown Point, IN surrounded by her family. Jeanette joined her parents Burns and Lenore Gerber, sisters Wilma (Joe) Frye, Priscilla (Jesse) Jones, Connie McCarter Sanasack (Larry & Ken) and husband of 54 years, Al Vandersteen, Jr. to be in the presence of Jesus.

Jeanette was a 1947 graduate of Hammond H.S, and married Al in 1948. Together they raised 7 children. Jeanette worked in a tax office for some years after becoming an empty-nester, but
her calling and passion were raising her family and loving her 17 grandchildren, 34 great- grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. She is survived by her children: Joy (Michael)
Brown, Al (LuAnn) Vandersteen, Cheryl (Don) Reba, Terry (Connie) Vandersteen, Ernie (Michelle) Vandersteen, Dale (Sherri) Vandersteen, Valerie Cook and former daughter-in-law
Mary Vandersteen as well as many nieces and nephews. Her place of delight was holding the babies and playing with the little ones as she sang to them and delighted in their antics. As the children grew, she told them Jesus loved them and encouraged them to be in church, all the while cooking up a storm and making sure everyone got their favorite foods and cookies. Her hospitality extended beyond her own home. As a member of the Church of the Nazarene (Hammond First, Fairmeadow, and Living Grace) she made it her mission to make others feel welcome and serve those in need. Even as Jeanette struggled with her mind and missing memories at the end, she always reminded us and herself, “I’ve had a good life” and “I am so blessed.” Indeed, that was true, and Jesus was faithful to her to the end.

We will gather to honor her at Calumet Park Funeral Home, 7535 Taft, Merrillville, on Tuesday,
December 31, from 1-3 p.m. with a service at 3:00 p.m. Pastors Jerry Frye and Matthew
Vandersteen officiating.