Gerrit Jr. VanDenTop

February 5, 1939 - April 20, 2023

Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church. 

Service: Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 27th at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church in Canton, SD. 

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Gerrit Jr. VanDenTop, age 84, died Thursday, April 20, 2023 surrounded by family at Touchmark at All Saints in Sioux Falls, SD.  Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 27th at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church in Canton, SD.  Visitation, with family present, will be Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church.

          Gerrit was born on February 5, 1939 in Inwood, IA to Gerrit Sr. and Elizabeth (Rozeboom) VanDenTop.  He grew up in the Inwood area and graduated from Inwood High School in 1957.  Gerrit served his country in the Army National Guard.  He worked as a stationmaster for the Burlington Railroad before finding his calling in farming.

          Gerrit married Maureen Eiesland on September 24, 1960 at Canton Lutheran Church.  The couple lived and farmed in the Canton area.  Jason was born to this union.  Maureen died on January 15, 2017.  Gerrit married Lazetta (Ofstad) Ahrendt on April 21, 2018.  The couple made their home at Touchmark at All Saints.

          Gerrit was very active in his community, through the years he served on numerous boards in a variety of positions.  He enjoyed traveling, socializing, casino trips, playing cards, and his many cars and trucks.  He was also a long-time member of the Grieg Chorus.  His trip to Holland was a highlight of his life but his passion in life was farming with his son, Jason.

          Gerrit is survived by his wife, Lazetta; son, Jason (Jaci); grandchildren, Anthony (Emily) Johnson, Alyssa (Josh) Miller, Derek VanDenTop, and Cecelia VanDenTop; great-grandchildren, Harrison, Beckett and Griffin Miller; step-children, Scott (Sandy) Ahrendt, Sue (Paul) Kippley, Sandy (David) Lantz, Sally (Duane) Ites, Sarah (Lee) Richarz, and Stacie (Vince) Villanueva; bonus grandchildren, Dustin, Eric, Becky, Randy, Dana, Darin, Andrew, Carly, Danielle, Jose, Alan, Madison, Benjamin, Alexis, and Georgia; 15 bonus great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Maureen, 7 brothers and sisters, and brother-in-law, Ronnie Eiesland.  www.andersonandsonsfh.com

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18 messages have been left

  1. Karen Rollag on April 21, 2023 said:

    Lazetta my dear friend, my sympathies to you at this sad time.

  2. Evertt & Alice on April 21, 2023 said:

    Sending sympathy to Junior’s family. We pray that God will be with you through this difficult time!

  3. Tami Rikansrud on April 21, 2023 said:

    Top’s family, I’m so sorry to hear of this. You are in my thoughts during this time. What a wonderful guy.

  4. James Van Steenwyk on April 21, 2023 said:

    So sorry for your loss!

  5. Justine Briski on April 22, 2023 said:

    Just wanna say I’m very sorry for you loss lazetta! I had a wonderful time working with other Gerrit and it’s sucks to see him go! Prayers and he will definitely be missed!

  6. MAC and Carol McEntee on April 22, 2023 said:

    our sympathy and prayers to the family ..hearing the loss of Top MCENTEE’S..

  7. Brian Robert Lind on April 22, 2023 said:

    My greatest sympathy on the passing of Gerrit. I always enjoyed his stories God Bless

  8. Beth Christensen on April 22, 2023 said:

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Lazetta. Thinking of you ❤️

  9. Linda Hoyt on April 22, 2023 said:

    My dear Lazetta, I’m so sorry for your great loss. Sending you love and prayers during this sad time.

  10. Jerry & LaVonne Snyders on April 22, 2023 said:

    Dear Lazetta, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  11. Norma Fincher on April 22, 2023 said:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. A great and wonderful person to know. He will be miss so much.I would see you two every day at Touchmark at all Saints. Rest in Peace. Norma Fincher in Housekeeping at TAAS.

  12. Jerry Mundt on April 22, 2023 said:

    So sorry for your loss. May God’s peace be with you.

  13. Marilyn Ahrendt on April 23, 2023 said:

    Lazetta and family
    Jason and family
    This world will not be the same without a Big Top in it. Many memories of him and Maureen.
    Deepest sympathy to you all

  14. Andy Huckfeldt on April 23, 2023 said:

    May he rest in peace and his memory be a blessing.

  15. Nancy Woods on April 23, 2023 said:

    Larzetta and family, so very sorry for your loss again. Know we are praying for strength and comfort my friend.🥰

  16. Mary Ann Marko on April 25, 2023 said:

    So sorry you are going through this again. May memories of the time you had together be a comfort to you

  17. Mary Watson and Dan Rath on April 25, 2023 said:

    To “Tops” family, Sad to see of Tops passing. We use to have some great times in Canton Lutheran Church Choir! I loved his wonderful voice. Sending prayers of comfort and peace to surround you all during this sad time.

  18. Liz Ofstad on July 6, 2023 said:

    Top was such a great guy. Love and light to you, Jason and Jaci.