"So sorry to see the passing of Sebastion. Before the shut down of the facility due to covid i would go and play Bingo, sometimes call Bingo it was rare Sebastion was not there. He smile & laughter were infectious & brightened the room when he came in. I rnjoyed conversations with him. He had such a wealth of knowledge. Prayers for your family. Cindy C"
In loving memory of
Sebastian Verduyn
September 10, 1964 - March 17, 2021
Sebastian Verduyn - 56 of Zearing, passed away Wednesday, March 17th while under the care of the
Zearing Health Care Center in Zearing, Iowa. Sebastian's wishes was to donate his body to the University
of Iowa for research. Cremation and formal internment service will follow in the fall of 2021 in Iowa
City, IA. A Celebration of Life will be held in Reinbeck, Iowa Friday, May 28th 2021.
Sebastian Edward Verduyn was born September 10, 1964 in Grundy Center, Iowa, the son of Dr. Wouter
and Charlotte (t'Sas) Verduyn. Sebastian was raised in Reinbeck, Iowa graduating high school from
Reinbeck (Class of 82'). Sebastian was united in marriage to Julie (Balius) in 2002, later divorced.
Sebastian & Julie had one daughter - Gabriella, truly the twinkle of Sebastian's eye. Playing a
supporting role with Julie raising & loving Gabriella along with her brother Malachi was truly Sebastian's
first love. Sebastian would beam with pride watching these two grow into the young adults they are
today. Sebastian enjoyed the simpler things of life and almost always it included family. Walks
(anywhere), parades, picnics, cheering on the Cyclones & Packers were always highlights as long as it
included his kids and extended family and particularly if it mean a loss to the Hawkeyes & Vikings.
Iowa State Cyclone activities, the Green Bay Packers, Mickey Mouse, blueberry pancakes, ice cream and
even reading were special to Sebastian and had a never ending quest for knowledge. Sebastian was true
to his Dutch heritage, cherished his visits to the Tulip Festival and Sinter Claus celebration in Pella.
Sebastian not only has his own wooden shoes but would see to it everyone was properly fitted for their
own pair. Sebastian loved his Dutch family (from across the pond) and always looked forward to time he
was able to spend with them whether visiting in Holland or when family came to the United States.
Sadly, Sebastian was afflicted with Huntington Disease and later in life symptoms would cause him to
change his focus and priorities. Many of the simple things were no longer simple. Fighting for the best
quality of life he could while trying to be a father, a son and a brother became a challenge for Sebastian
but he never stopped trying. Sebastian remained strong to his faith and would pray often... Never has a
man become so humble and appreciative of his family and caregivers and would muster up his last bit of
strength to give you a "Verduyn bear hug" to let you know you were loved.
Sebastian is survived by his children Gabriella Verduyn and Malachi Reed both of West Des Moines,
Iowa. Also still with us is his brother Norbert (Teri) Verduyn of Fargo, ND, Jerome (Carolyn) Verduyn of
McMinnville, Or., Brian (Erin) Verduyn of Polk City, IA, Andrea Verduyn (Tom Knackstedt), West Des
Moines, Ia, Brother-in-law Scott Jamieson of Cooper, Me., aunts, uncles, numerous cousins, nephews
and nieces.
Sebastian was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents Wouter & Connie Verduyn, his mother
Charlotte and his sister Lieselotte (Verduyn) Jamieson.
Tributes
"Seb was a kind and gentile person. He was greatly adored by us and always enjoyed seeing him. Our deepest heartfelt sympathy to Brian, Gabriella, Norbert, Jerome, and all of Seb's family. The world lost a very special guy and he will be greatly missed. Ron and Beverly Hummel, Ankeny"
"Rest in peace, Sebastian. Let's pray that do more research on Huntington's and find a cure soon. Too much sorry seeing this debilitating illness take family members. Condolences also for Connie's passing. I will miss her. "
"I'll never forget how much Seb enjoyed when i visited him along with his Mother Connie on the weekends as I alwats brought his favorite cookies. Only once I didnt have time to bake before visiting so he let me know he was mad at me for not bringing cookies. Connie and i were his guests for Christmas dinner 2 years ago. He was so proud we were there with him. Will always miss those times with him. Love you Seb. You can rest now."
"My sincere condolences to Sebastian's family. May the smiles, laughter, and kindness that defined Sabastian be forever remembered. Take comfort in knowing that God remembers him too. Isaiah 26:19; Psalms 37:29"