VANDENBERK:  Peacefully, at Bluewater Health – CEE Hospital, Continuing Care, Petrolia, on Friday, February 13, 2026, Martinus Maria Vandenberk of Watford, formerly of Grand Bend, age 88.  Beloved husband of Cornelia “Lia” Clara (Huiberts) Vandenberk.  Loved father and father-in-law of Michael Vandenberk of Grand Bend, Jacqueline and Greg Krupa of Utica, Michigan, Stephen and Sarah Vandenberk of Grand Bend.  Cherished Opa of Alex Goehring, Evelyn Vandenberk, Matthew Krupa, Benjamin Krupa, Justin Vandenberk, Ryan Vandenberk, and Trevor Vandenberk.  Dear brother and brother-in-law of Bill and Toni Vandenberk, Louise Vandenberk, Mary Verheyen, Jane Klunder, Gerry Verkley and Tini Bakker.  Remembered by his nieces, nephews and their families.  Predeceased by his parents Wilhelmus and Clazina (Kouwenberg) Vandenberk, siblings and their spouses Joe and Jean Vandenberk, Ted and Wilha Vandenberk, Cor Vandenberk, Frank Verheyen, Joe Klunder and many of Lia’s siblings and their spouses. 

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Grand Bend, on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 11 a.m. with Visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at the church.  A Celebration of Martin’s Life will follow immediately after the interment in the Father Beck Hall.  The Rev. Fr. Tony Laforet Celebrant.  Interment Pinery Cemetery, Grand Bend. 

Born in the Netherlands, one of seven siblings, he immigrated to Ontario at 14 — brave, determined, and full of Dutch stubbornness. Once he made up his mind, that was it — and he always had an opinion or story to go with it.

He settled in Grand Bend, married Mom (Lia) in 1969, and together they shared almost 57 years of love, hard work, and family devotion. He farmed potatoes and onions, built his own equipment, and always believed in a good “farmer fix.” A proud member of Alhambra and the Vegetable Growers Association, he formed lifelong friendships and business relationships along the way.

He loved hockey, soccer, golfing and the need for speed- drag racing . Their retirement years were the best- 20 wonderful years as a snowbird at Saddlebag Lake Resort in Florida. He always loved a good road trip and suntanning on the beach or backyard. He treasured his coffee crew at Timmy’s, his friends, his family, and most of all — his grandchildren.

He enjoyed the simple joys: whiskey and ginger ale, fish fries, a honey cruller donut, ice cream sandwiches, and of course… his chips. And a friendly warning: don’t walk too closely behind him!

He lived fully, loved deeply, and left us with stories, laughter, and memories we’ll cherish forever. ❤️

Arrangements entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood.  If desired, memorial donations (payable directly) to the Algarva Charity Council or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.