Anthony Walter VanderHeyden

Anthony Walter “Tony” VanderHeyden, age 80 of Osceola, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Tony was born August 16, 1945, in South Bend, Indiana. He was a graduate of Penn High School before enlisting in the US Army, where he served honorably during the Vietnam War. While enlisted, Tony spent time in both Germany and Vietnam.

Following his time in the service, he utilized his GI Bill to attend Bethel College. On July 25, 1970, he married Jacqueline Nelson in Mishawaka, and together they celebrated 56 years of love, laughter and faith.

He is survived by his wife Jacqueline and their children Tammy (Joel) Waxman, Sarah (Sam) Schwartz, and Tony VanderHeyden along with his sister-in-law Judy (Colin) Fitzpatrick as his “adopted daughter.” Surviving as well are his grandchildren Tyler (Becca Bellar) Waxman, Jacob Waxman, Megan (Thomas) Kennedy, Christian (Allison Fecher) Hill, and Sammy (Jordyn Mora) Schwartz, and one great grandson, Ezra Kennedy. He is also survived by his siblings Larry (Carol) VanderHeyden, Carol (Al) Matlock and Nancy Cranford. Tony was preceded in death by his mother Beulah and father figure “Papa John” Schwenk.

Tony worked as a supervisor for Dodge Manufacturing, Deck Manufacturing and retired from Elkhart Brass in 2004. He loved to play golf several times a week and enjoyed gathering with his Happy Hackers golf league. He also enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with his brother-in-law Al and took each of his grandsons on a trip there upon their graduation. Tony loved his flower gardens, and his lawn was always well kept, the envy of the neighborhood. He had a great sense of humor, sometimes at the expense of his wife, but always in love. He was a roller coaster enthusiast and loved taking his children in the front car to experience the thrills. For the past 12 years he and Jackie spent their winters in Melbourne, Florida, where they made many friends and enjoyed the warmth and sunshine.

Tony was a man of great faith and a member of Osceola Grace Church, where he greeted everyone with a warm smile and welcoming handshake each Sunday. His generous heart blessed many! In his own selfless way, he shared his faith with others in the hope they would come to know the Lord. Most of all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who treasured time spent with his family.

Friends and family may visit two hours prior to the 6:00 pm Celebration of Life on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Osceola Grace Church, 58343 S. Apple Road, Osceola, IN 46561. For those unable to attend, a livestream of the service will begin just prior to 6:00 pm and may be viewed in real time in the window below. Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola has been entrusted with his arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Osceola Grace Church. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Tony’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook tab above. 

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