April 1, 1943 – September 7, 2026
Allan VanDenBerg was a devoted husband, loving father, brother, grandfather, mentor, coach, and friend-and to the many people fortunate enough to know him, he was simply someone who made life better by being in it.
Allan was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Max and Mary (Cogswell) VanDenBerg. He graduated from Loy Norrix High School, Western Michigan University, and the University of Michigan Business School.
Allan's greatest joy was his family. He shared a loving life with his wife of 61 years, Jane, and was the proud father to sons Jeff, Chris, and Chad. Family was at the heart of everything he did, and he was always there with encouragement, a story, or a laugh. A special joy for Allan was bringing his large family together for fun-filled gatherings over holidays and at the cabin in Baldwin, Michigan.
Big Al had a unique gift for connecting with people. He could talk to anyone, anywhere, and make a stranger feel like an old friend. He cherished his wide circle of friendships, from regular phone calls with pals, to the Tuesday Nighters, to his fishing buddies of 40 years (aptly called the Bullshido). Allan was a caring mentor to many. As coach of the boys and girls tennis teams at Spring Lake High School and AYSO soccer, he always emphasized the aspects of sports that transcended winning and losing.
Allan knew how to enjoy life. Whether he was on a tennis court, standing with a fly rod in the Pere Marquette River, or walking a golf course, he was happiest when he was sharing the experience with others. Allan was always up for an adventure: snowmobiling, riding dirt bikes with Jane, attending auto racing school in California, revving up his toys (the Harley and Corvette), or traveling the US and the world.
He brought his wide-ranging talents and people-first mindset to a diverse career as a police officer, EMT, bartender, professional water skier, pool shark, and many years as a business executive with pharmaceutical, printing, consulting, and online tool companies. Allan served for many years on the board of Irwin Seating and gave back to his communities through leadership on the Carthage Convention and Visitors Bureau, Carthage Police Advisory Board, and L-Lakes Association.
Allan is survived by his beloved wife, Jane; his sons Jeff (Shelley), Chris (Elizabeth), and Chad (Sarah); six cherished grandchildren Avery, Evelyn, Sasha, Lenny, Everett, and Lucas; his sister Julie (Marty); in-laws Beth, John and Lori, Carol and John; and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Phillip.
Big Al had a unique gift for connecting with people. He could talk to anyone, anywhere, and make a stranger feel like an old friend. He cherished his wide circle of friendships, from regular phone calls with pals, to the Tuesday Nighters, to his fishing buddies of 40 years (aptly called the Bullshido). Allan was a caring mentor to many. As coach of the boys and girls tennis teams at Spring Lake High School and AYSO soccer, he always emphasized the aspects of sports that transcended winning and losing.
Allan knew how to enjoy life. Whether he was on a tennis court, standing with a fly rod in the Pere Marquette River, or walking a golf course, he was happiest when he was sharing the experience with others. Allan was always up for an adventure: snowmobiling, riding dirt bikes with Jane, attending auto racing school in California, revving up his toys (the Harley and Corvette), or traveling the US and the world.
He brought his wide-ranging talents and people-first mindset to a diverse career as a police officer, EMT, bartender, professional water skier, pool shark, and many years as a business executive with pharmaceutical, printing, consulting, and online tool companies. Allan served for many years on the board of Irwin Seating and gave back to his communities through leadership on the Carthage Convention and Visitors Bureau, Carthage Police Advisory Board, and L-Lakes Association.
Allan is survived by his beloved wife, Jane; his sons Jeff (Shelley), Chris (Elizabeth), and Chad (Sarah); six cherished grandchildren Avery, Evelyn, Sasha, Lenny, Everett, and Lucas; his sister Julie (Marty); in-laws Beth, John and Lori, Carol and John; and many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Phillip.
Allan leaves behind the lessons he taught, the people he mentored, the athletes he coached, the friendships he built, and the countless memories of laughter and connection he created along the way.
Most of all, he leaves behind a family who knows how deeply they were loved.
A celebration of Allan's life will be held on Saturday November 21, 2026 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the Woodshed in Cherry's Art Emporium, 311 S. Main Street in Carthage, MO 64836.
Memorial contributions can be made to:
Carthage Historic Preservation
Carthage Public Library
Lake County Community Foundation
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