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Dr. Robert Charles Vander Wagen (Dr. Van), 72, skilled physician, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away Monday, June 16, 2003 in Bullhead City, Arizona. Born in Rehoboth, New Mexico, December 24, 1930. He spent his childhood in and around the Pueblo of Zuni, where his family has been since 1897. Rob's elementary education was spent being taught by his mother in a one-room school house in Zuni. He attended Wasatch Academy (Utah), Calvin College and Seminary, University of Michigan Medical School and University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health. He specialized in Pediatrics and Public Health. He retired in 1982 ending a career of 24 years with the USPHS, Indian Health Service and the State of New Mexico. After retirement, through writing he shared his fascination of the southwest desert with all who love her honest faces. Rob was preceded in death by his brother, Ted; his father, Simon; his mother, Wilhelmina; and his son, Robert Charles II. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Betty; siblings; Larry Vander Wagen, Bernice Stock, and Ethel Carey; children, Barbara Vander Wagen-Bieniewski, Ruth Garza, Claudia Delaney, Norman Vander Wagen, and Glenna Little. The grandchildren, Wendy, Jacquelyn, Rebecca, Paula, Roxanne, Jared, Rachel, Sarah, Kent, Ross, Joshua, and Caszandra. Also one great-grandchild, Courtney Jo. A multitude of friends and family will remember him for his quick wit and marvelous stories that gladdened our hearts and nourished our souls. He managed to enrich the lives of everyone he met. A Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held at Hope Evangelical Church, 4710 Juan Tabo NE on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. A second Memorial Service is being planned for July in Zuni, New Mexico. The family of Rob Vander Wagen ask that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to a fund that will be a scholarship for the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Dr. Van's name. Please send donations to 9104 Atkinson Pl. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112.
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