08/03/2026
Born on November 25th, 1946, in Sioux Falls South Dakota, he was the son of Vernon and Matilda (Dykstra) VanderSchoor. He was the youngest of 3 children.
Dan’s family settled in Knoxville, Iowa where he completed high school. After high school he attended Central College in Pella before enrolling at the University of Iowa. While at Iowa he obtained a degree in pharmacy while simultaneously becoming a lifelong Hawkeye fan.
Dan married Sheryl Tandy during their time living in Iowa City and had their first of 5 children spending many years of marriage together.
Dan spent his career as a pharmacist serving as the Chief of Pharmacy at the VA in Des Moines, as well as working at Mercy Hospital where he would ultimately retire. He was a highly respected colleague. Coworkers often expressed their admiration for his work ethic, quick wit, and ability to teach.
Dan was a man of strong Christian faith and spent many years serving in various roles at the churches he attended, the longest being Bethany Reformed Church in Des Moines. Outside of work and church, he found joy in simple things.
While fishing was his favorite pastime and he wouldn’t miss an Iowa game, there are dozens of people over the course of two decades that knew him as Coach Dan.
Dan committed countless hours, and years of his life to coaching youth soccer through the East Des Moines Soccer Club, as well as youth basketball through the Salvation Army.
Dan was a well-respected coach with many former players going out of their way to say hello and reminisce years after playing for him. Dan told his son recently that his coaching years were the best of his life.
Those who knew him will remember the way in which he carried himself. He was a soft spoken man of respectability that exuded the steady hand and confidence of a natural leader.
His close friends and family will remember his sense of humor and what his sister Linda would often refer to as ornery. He regularly made time to get together with his 5 children, 15 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren.
He enjoyed visiting his sister Linda Ellis and her family in Phoenix, Arizona as well as traveling to Texas to fish with his brother Verne VanderSchoor, at a location he referred to as his favorite place on earth.
He is survived by his son Todd VanderSchoor (Stacey), daughter Melissa Jacoby (Michael), daughter Jenny Phabmixay (Zach), son Scott VanderSchoor (Ashley), daughter Ashley Lopez (Eric), 15 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. Dan was preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Matilda (Dykstra) VanderSchoor, sister Linda Ellis (Chuck), brother Verne VanderSchoor, and grandson Zachary VanderSchoor.
A visitation will take place on Monday, August 10, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope in Ankeny, Iowa. A celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope in Ankeny, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.
Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel.