Louis Vandermolen

Louis VanderMolen passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, January 9, in the company of his wife, Ada, and his daughter, Ann. Born in Bergum, the Netherlands, on October 8, 1917, Louis and Ada immigrated to Artesia, California with two small children, John and Johanna, in 1951 and moved to Corona in 1953 where Louis worked in the dairy business, as a cabinet maker and in general construction. As time went by, in 1966, he opened his first hardware store on Hamner Avenue in Norco, and later moved that hardware store to the new VanderMolen Center across the street. Louis and Ada operated VanderMolen Hardware until 1986 when they retired and began to travel with their friends in their motor home. Louis had a strong love and dedication to community efforts. He was active in the Norco Chamber of Commerce, where he served as president, was instrumental in raising funds for the building of the current YMCA site in Corona, and also was a life-member of the Norco Kiwanis Club, where he also served as president. He donated time to being a Deacon and Trustee of the First Congregational Church of Corona and was recognized by the Inland Empire Boy Scouts of America as the 1983 Distinguished Citizen. For more than 17 years Louis was a member of the Governing Board for the Corona-Norco Unified School District; Coronas Centennial High Schools vocational building is named in Louis honor. He is extremely proud and honored to have the Louis VanderMolen Fundamental Elementary School, located in Eastvale, Californian named after him. Louis is survived by his wife Ada, by four of his five children, John (Leslie), Johanna (Robert), Louis Jr., Ann, and by his grandchildren Eric, Kristin, Amber, Gary, Christopher, Kaitlin, Matthew, and Nicholas. He was preceded in death by his son Neal. You lived a long, good life Dad. We will remember you fondly and thank you for the lessons you have given us over the years. The family wishes to extend our deepest appreciation to Louis caregivers, Hospice, and Ann for the dignified and respectful care given to him in his final months. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Louis VanderMolen Fundamental Elementary School, 6477 Carnelian, Mira Loma, CA 91752. Service First Congregational Church Wednesday 1/15, 11:00 am First Congregational Church Wednesday 1/15, 12:00 pm