PROSPECT — Louis Vander Eyk, 97, of Prospect, was called by the grand architect of the universe to enter the house of the Lord Monday afternoon July 27, 2015 at the Beacon Brook Health Center. He was the husband of Kathleen (Iffland, Jewiss) Vander Eyk for 24 wonderful years.
Lou was born May 23, 1918 in Waterbury, son of the late Lawrence and Cornelia (Scheurkogel). He graduated from Russell School and Crosby High School in Waterbury before receiving his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1940. He worked at the Bristol Company in Waterbury as plant engineer for 31 years and then building superintendent at Taft School until his retirement in 1983.
Lou will be remembered for many things and accomplishments, but the utmost will be his bow ties and warm and friendly smile. He was a member of Prospect Congregational Church where he is deacon emeritus, former choir member and on the Board of Directors for the Prospect Cemetery Association for over 55 years. He was a member of the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department since 1954, School Building Committee (1959-1967), and justice of the peace since 1962. Lou was active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as well as board member for the Prospect Drum Corps, as well as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
In 1948 he became a member of Harmony Lodge 42 Freemasons in Waterbury where he was elected master in 1959 and served as secretary from 1964 to 1990. In 1992 he was elected grand master of masons for the State of Connecticut. He was a member of many Masonic appendant bodies, which included Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the Valleys of Waterbury and Bridgeport (Secretary of Waterbury 1973-1991), Coronated 33rd Degree of the Supreme Council 1979, York Rite-New Haven Commandery #2, Sphinx Temple Shriners, Kaabans Shrine Club, Naugatuck Shrine Club, St. Andrews Conclave-Red Cross of Constantine, Royal Order of Scotland, York Rite College, National Sojourners Chapter 56-Heroes of ’76, Royal Order of Jesters, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Masonic Veterans Association, Twilight Club, Zindah Grotto and Secretary of the Connecticut Council of Deliberations 1997-2000, past president of the Waterbury Masonic Temple Corporation. Lou also served as chairman of the Board of Directors for the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Connecticut in Waterbury.
In addition to his wife, Kathy, he is survived by his son, James Vander Eyk and his wife, Joan, of Plantsville; daughter, Nancy-Lou Vander Eyk of Prospect; grandson, Matthew Vander Eyk and great-granddaughter, Lylah; niece, Nancy-Ellen Butler of Wolcott; his stepchildren, Gwen Jewiss and daughter, Annabella, of Austin, Texas, Greg Jewiss and Gloria Hurtuck of Watertown, Virginia Jewiss of Rome, Italy, Jennifer Katz and her husband, Jared, of Richmond, Vt., Daniel Jewiss of Waterbury and daughter, Brianna of Waterbury. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Trudy (Keenan) and brother, Robert.
The family would like to convey special appreciation to the entire staff at Beacon Brook Health Center in Naugatuck as well as Masonicare Hospice for their compassion, concern, and excellent care throughout his stay with them.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 30 at Prospect Memorial, 72 Waterbury Road, Prospect a Masonic Memorial Service at 7:30 p.m. A Memorial Celebration will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Prospect Congregational Church, 25 Center St., Prospect. Lou requested that those attending meet directly at the church rather than the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Prospect Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Children’s Dyslexia Center of Connecticut Inc., 529 Highland Ave., Waterbury CT 06708 or Prospect Congregational Church, 25 Center St., Prospect, CT 06712, or Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, New Haven Road, Prospect, CT 06712.
To place online condolences, visit www.prospectmemorial.com.
