Rees van Heeringen, our papa.

February 1, 1944-February 17, 2022

Rees van Heeringen, born Teunis Marinus on February 1, 1944, in Mijdrecht, Netherlands during the height of WWII.  His parents are Klaas and Geertje Cornelia (Hakker) van Heeringen.  He is the second of nine children and was named after his maternal grandfather.  The family left the Netherlands in 1947 to begin a new life in California. At the age of 18 he became a naturalized citizen of the United States and legally changed his name to his nickname, Rees.  He died unexpectedly in his home on February 17, 2022, in Hanford, California.

In 1966 he married Sandra Lind Ginnett and they had three daughters, Marla, and twins, Ronnett and Rannett. The family lived in Hanford until the couple's divorced in 1973.  Sandy and the girls then moved to Utah.  Although the girls lived two states away, Rees always made sure he spent time with his daughters and took good care of them. In 1974 he married Betty "Jean" Gilbert, they later divorced.

He grew up on the family farm, The Golden Egg Ranch, in Hanford, California.  After high school he wanted to join the army, but they wouldn't take him because one of his arms was crooked.  He returned home and at the age of 19 started an almost 30 years career with Beacon/Ultramar Oil. He later drove a school bus for Hanford Joint Union for 13 years.

Rees had many passions.  He was a boxer and won the Golden Gloves Amateur Boxing Championship in 1964 for Northern California.  He loved his Harley Davidson motorcycle, fishing, playing cards, penny slots, and watching old westerns, game shows and sports.

He is survived by his three daughters: Marla (Andy) Neff, Ronnett van Heeringen, Rannett (Bill) Gillane and 21 grandchildren, all of Utah.  Also survived by his siblings: Garrett (Barbara) van Heeringen, Margo (Richard) Eilers, Henry van Heeringen, Helena (Steve) Yungbluth, Harold van Heeringen, Caroline van Heeringen and Charlene van Heeringen.  Along with his longtime companion Letty Castandiello. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Klaas van Heeringen, and his Tante Cora Hakker.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 2400 N. 11 ^th Avenue in Hanford, California, at 12:00 pm.

We would like to thank emergency services, coroner's office and Yost and Webb Mortuary for their assistance. We would especially like to thank the many family members for their help and kindness during this time.