John Joseph Vanderah, 74, The Villages, Florida (formerly of East Dubuque, IL and Dubuque, IA) passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2016 from complications of COPD at his residence in Florida.  A celebration of John's life will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque, Iowa.  The Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Rev. Jim Secora will begin at 10:30 am with visitation from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.  Following the mass we will celebrate John with a luncheon and sharing stories at The Meadows Golf Course.

John Joseph Vanderah was born on January 20, 1942 to Joseph and Lucille Vanderah.  He was a 1959 graduate of East Dubuque High School and served in the U.S. Army overseas.  He returned home and married Judi Jacobi on October 3, 1964.  John was a Rural Letter Carrier for the East Dubuque Post Office and retired after 36 years of service.  Following his retirement he worked at the Meadows Golf Course for 15 years.  He and Judi retired to the golf community, The Villages, Florida in 2013.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lucille Vanderah, and his nephews, Bart Vanderah and Jackson O'Connell.  He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judi Vanderah; his sons, John Paul (Ilyse) Vanderah and Joe Vanderah, his daughters, Julie (Steve) Jandrich and Jana (Brian) Hinchley; his grandchildren, Megan, Jessica, Emily and Lucas, Orion, Olivia and Onya; his bother, Tom (Nancy) Vanderah, his sister, Mary Jo (Lloyd) Sherman and many nieces and nephews.