Obituary: Vandenburg, Lewis Franklin
Age 71
A long-time resident of Spokane, WA, he had recently moved to 31311 E. Steelhead Drive in Arlington, WA.
Lou was born in Nevada, Missouri to Charles and Ann Root on September 3, 1942.
He graduate d from Rogers High School, and went directly into the Marine s. He graduated from Camp Pendleton, CA USMC M Company 2nd Battalion Infantry in 1961.
He served one tour in Vietnam.
He finished his time with the USMC, and then spent the ma jority of his life working as a certified welder.
Lou then worked as a Corrections Officer at Airway Heights Corrections Center in Airway Heights, WA for 15 years prior to his retirement in 2011.
He was involved in the NRA and the VFW.
Lou married JuDee Sue Vandenburg in 1978 and they had just celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary on February 4, 2014.
They lived in Spokane for 33 years before retiring to Arlington, WA to live next door to son, Shane Michael Ruthven, daughter-in-law Katie Ruthven, and grandchildren Hunter and Wyatt Ruthven.
They were all victims of the Oso, WA Mudslide.
Lou Vandenburg was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ann Root; his aunt and uncle, Ruth and John Umberger; and his niece, Carrie Love.
Lou is survived by his children, Darron Bowerman, daughter-in-law, Kate Bowerman, and Amy Ruthven-Thompson; and his grandchildren Samuel Thompson, Colleen Bowerman, and Hannah Bowerman; his sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Bill Alderson; his nephews and nieces, Dan and Phil Bower, Michelle Bischoff and Jason Alderson; his sister, Connie Love; and his niece Kelly Watson; and biological children, Scott Arran and Laurie Compton.
His hobbies included guns, cars, yard work, and spending time with his family.
A reception will be held at a later day for family and friends .
WELLER FUNERAL HOME, Arlington, WA