Hans Peter Vanderbeek

Hans Peter Vanderbeek, 79, passed away on May 16, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children.

Hans was born on September 7, 1946, in Den Hague, Netherlands, to Henri Vanderbeek and Maria Johanna Diender Vanderbeek. At the age of four, he immigrated with his parents and siblings to the United States, where he would go on to build a full and dynamic life.

Hans married Jody Ann Tippets on November 13, 1970. They worked alongside one another to build a family, businesses, and life together.

He honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following his service, Hans went on to work for the Union Pacific Railroad, and successfully built and managed numerous businesses and investment ventures. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, he was always on the lookout for the next opportunity. His hard work, resourcefulness, and ability to stretch a dollar allowed him to retire early at the age of fifty and spend cherished years at their cabin in Island Park, Idaho—a place he, his wife, and children loved.

Hans was charismatic and charming, had the gift of conversation, and was a master storyteller. He told enchanted tales of the man with the golden arm, around the campfire, eliciting chills and screams from his family. He was funny and clever, burying a rubber foot in the sand at Lake Powell, to uncover at just the right moment, causing friends and family to fly out of their chairs. He was the life of the party, our family's greatest source of joy and fun, and legendary to all who knew him.

Hans was incredibly intelligent and a jack of all trades. As an example, he restored a ‘55 Chevy truck from boxes of parts scattered around the shop, painting it himself, and turning it into a gold ribbon winner at many car shows.

Above all, Hans loved his children and would do anything for them. He was the first person his kids would call to share news because he was their biggest cheerleader. He served his children unselfishly in all things and created a childhood full of adventure and cherished memories.

Though Hans faced his fair share of hardships and medical challenges, including several cancer diagnoses spanning over a decade, he remained positive, appreciated every sun rise, took every chance for coffee on the veranda, and never lost sight of the beauty of life's journey. His pride, strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit was admirable.

Hans was preceded in death by his father, Henri Vanderbeek; his mother, Maria Johanna Diender; and his brothers, Henry and Fritz Vanderbeek.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Jody Tippets Vanderbeek; his children, Cammi Vanderbeek (Justin Nalder), Cori Vanderbeek, and Chad Vanderbeek; his beloved granddaughters, Caitlyn Elizabeth Nalder and Cierra Kisha Nalder; his sister, Nita Ford; many nieces and nephews; and last, but certainly not least, Kenzi, his cherished dog.

The family would like to thank Britney Holland (hospice nurse) and Nicole Carlisle (home health aid), for the love, respect, friendship, and care they showed to our father and family.

We’d also like to commend Chad for his dedication to his father as a primary caregiver. His dad was very thankful and so proud of him.

Per his wishes, there will not be a funeral, but a celebration of life with his immediate family to spread his ashes in Island Park at a later date.

Hans’ larger-than-life presence, friendship and unfaltering love will be profoundly missed.