January 20, 2014
Brothers and Sisters,
It is with a very heavy heart that I write this letter to inform the Local 2 membership of the loss of our Brother Joe VandenOever late in the evening of Friday, January 10, 2014. Joe suffered a traumatic head injury at work when he was struck by the top door of a bi-parting freight door on the morning of Tuesday, January 7, 2014.
Joe served his country in the Navy and was a retired Chief Petty officer. His final wishes were to be cremated and his ashes spread out at sea, which will be done privately. His brother Rob VandenOever, who is also a brother member of Local 2, and the rest of the family wish to thank everyone for their prayers, condolences and out pouring of love and support.
The family wishes to extend an invite to everyone to help them celebrate the life of Joe VandenOever on February 15, 2014 at IUEC Local 2 meeting hall, 5860 W. 111th Street, Chicago Ridge, Illinois. The arrangements are still in the planning stages. When they are finalized, there will be an email sent out and it will be posted on the website.
In addition to the Celebration of Life, there will also be a Wounded Warriors Luncheon in memory of Brother Joe VandenOever on May 17, 2014 at IUEC Local 2. Further notifications will be mailed once plans are finalized.
In closing, all our lives are hectic but we can never forget our focus on the job at hand. We work in a very dangerous industry and it’s my goal to make sure everyone works safe and gets home to their family at the end of the day.
Please continue to keep the family and friends of Brother Joe VandenOever in your thoughts and prayers.
Fraternally Yours,
Daniel J. Baumann
Business Manager
IUEC Local 2
