Herman Vandestraat, 79, of Rancho Bernardo, CA, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on June 15, 2011. Herman (Hank) was born June 23, 1931, in Brunsum, Holland, to Emma Strohm and Hermann Vandestraat. He was a child during WWII and spoke often of the joy of being liberated by the U.S. soldiers. He became a proud citizen of the United States years later. After the war he moved to Canada and then to California where he had a restaurant "The Flying Dutchman". He also found his talent and passion in real estate and had a successful real estate office in Berkley, CA, until his retirement. Retirement was busy with travel, golf, boats, and remodeling real estate properties. Herman's love for his family, along with his sharp wit, keen sense of humor, and zest for life, were endearing qualities admired by all. He will be greatly missed.
Herman is survived by his wife, Ellen Vandestraat; stepson, Enoch (Olga) Borozinski; stepdaughter, Sarah (Mason) Hess; and he was "Opa" to his four grandchildren, Ethan, Ava, Vance and Maxeem. He is also survived by his sister, EC (Ben) Buitenhek; niece, Karen (Everett) Glass and children, Kevin, Hunter and Ryan; and nephew, Peter (Kris) Buitenhek and children, Katie and David (Amy).

The family expresses sincere gratitude to his caregivers, Karen Miner, Alicia Yocupicio, and The Elizabeth Hospice for their kindness.

The “official” birthdate of 21 Feburary 1938 is actually incorrect; the actual date was 25 February 1938. The error seems to have been made due to a transcription in numbers; Mary Alabam Sims was 21 at the time Mabel Ruth was born.3