Dale Orrin "Van" VanDenburg

Dale Orrin VanDenburg, known affectionately as Van, passed away on July 2, 2024, in West Chester, PA, at the age of 101. He was born on June 18, 1923, in Helena, Montana to Claude Orrin and Beatrice Marie VanDenburg. 

Van was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Era Sanderson, and their son Kurt Orrin. Van's legacy continues through his extensive family. He is survived by his daughters, Karen Letcher and husband Gary and Gretchen Armstrong and husband Dave; grandchildren David Armstrong and wife Tracy, Brent Fatticci and wife Susan, Erica Gay and husband Chuck, Brietta Voss and husband RJ, Julie DeLong and husband Derek, Taniya Bethke and husband Aric, Dion Letcher, Teri Braaten and husband Chuck; great-grandchildren: Reilly and Reagan Fatticci, Jacelyn, Avie, and Cannon Gay, Jay and Avery Voss, Calloway and Bradley DeLong, Fio and Luca Bethke, Brandon Braaten, Tyler Braaten and wife Courtney, and Shea Decker; and nephews: Neville Locklear, Cliff Plants and wife Joanne, and Bruce Plants and wife Shirley.

Van's life was marked by a profound appreciation for the natural world, which deeply influenced both his professional and personal pursuits.  Nowhere was he more comfortable or at peace than when experiencing the majesty of Mother Nature. 

Van dedicated his career to entomology with the United States Forest Service, a role that perfectly suited his love for nature. His hobbies were as varied as they were numerous, including reading, gardening, bird watching, rockhounding, and collecting insects, butterflies, and shells. Van was also skilled in photography, lapidary, wood carving, drawing, and painting. His hobbies and passion for archaeology and the cultures and artifacts of Native American peoples led him to read extensively and travel often, always eager to share his knowledge and creations with friends and family.

A proud Navy veteran, Van served during World War II in the South Pacific aboard the USS Albert W. Grant. His time in the military was a testament to his commitment to service, both in uniform and in his civilian life.

Van earned his undergraduate degree in forestry and undertook graduate studies in entomology at Penn State, further grounding his professional life in his love for the environment.

Van's life was a remarkable journey of exploration, love, and enduring curiosity, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him. Interment will be held privately at a future date. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Xerces Society's Pollinator Conservation Program P.O. Box 97384 Washington DC 20090-7387 or Gary Sinise Foundation P.O. Box 40726 Suite 1500 Nashville TN 37204-0726 

Services and Interment will be private. 

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home of West Chester, PA, 610-696-1181