Eduard Karel Vander Hijde

Eduard Karel Vander Hijde passed away peacefully at home in Des Moines, Iowa on July 24, 2025, at the age of 97. Born in Modjoagoeng, Java, Indonesia, on March 18, 1928, Eduard's early life was profoundly shaped by the tumultuous events of World War II, and its aftermath.

When his father and two older brothers were away at war, he became the eldest child at home during the Japanese occupation of Indonesia and faced subsequent internment—first by the Japanese and then by the Indonesians during their bid for independence—from 1942 to 1947.

As a young man, from 1947 to 1950, Ed worked as a foreman at the Dutch Marine/Navy Hospital in Surabaja, Indonesia. Seeking a new home for his mother and younger sisters amidst increased persecution of the Dutch in Indonesia, he moved to New Guinea in 1951. There, he worked as a cook and chauffeur for a construction company, and later as a mechanic for the government from 1954 to 1956.

In 1957, Ed relocated to Amsterdam, Holland, where he continued his work as a mechanic. His mother and two younger sisters joined him about a year later. It was in Amsterdam that Ed met Marianne Christine Robijn at a party, introduced by mutual friends.

In 1961, Eduard moved to Des Moines, Iowa, sponsored by a local pastor, to establish residence in the United States. He maintained a long-distance relationship with Marianne through letters, and they were engaged in 1963. Eduard and Marianne were married in Holland in November 1963, and soon returned to Des Moines, settling into their first apartment. Eduard proudly obtained his U.S. citizenship in 1969.

Throughout his career in Des Moines, Ed worked as a dedicated mechanic, first at Gary Lilly Volkswagen and later for several Ford dealerships. He was a loving father and husband, demonstrating his devotion to his family through his tireless hard work, providing for them in ways he had not experienced as a child.
Eduard was a man of deep faith, reading the Bible in his favorite chair every evening and beginning each morning on his knees in prayer. He could often be found tinkering in his basement or garage, a testament to his passion and aptitude for mechanics. He extended his generosity to friends, often offering his mechanical skills to fix their cars pro bono. If you knew him well, you might also have experienced his sense of humor and silliness.

Eduard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marianne Vander Hijde. He leaves behind his cherished children, Brenda Vander Hijde and Steve Vander Hijde (Ann), and his adored grandchildren, Anja Vander Hijde and Grant Vander Hijde.

Eduard Karel Vander Hijde will be remembered for his resilience, his unwavering dedication to his family, his strong faith, and his generous spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Inurnment will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 22, 2025, at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 1 NE 60th Avenue, Des Moines. There will be a celebration of life from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 22, 2025, at The Bridge, 10025 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, IA 50131.

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