Sebastian Verduyn

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.