VANDERMEULEN, Peter Simon (Peter Rabbit)

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Saturday, September 24, 2011 - Peter Simon "Peter Rabbit" VanderMeulen, passed away peacefully at home in Lake Havasu City on Thurs., Sept. 22, 2011 after having a brain tumor removed at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas. He was born on May 09, 1933 in Montebello, Calif. Peter was raised in Chino, Calif. where his family farmed. He graduated from Chino High School in June of 1951 then enrolled in the US Army in 1953. He served in Augsburg, Germany and was honorably discharged in June 1955. In 1957 he married Donna Waggoner in Las Vegas, Nev. and they would have celebrated 55 years of marriage this coming February. Peter and Donna had three beautiful children, Peter Michael "Mike", Donna DeLynn "DeLynn" and John Edward 'Eddie". He cherished his grandchildren, Brian, Joshua, Terra, Morgan and Maxwell. While raising his children they belonged to Los Paisanos 4-Wheel Drive Club, he coached Little League, fished in the High Sierras, was President of The Future Farmers of America, traveled to many foreign countries and lived a full life with family and friends. After his retirement of 35 years with Blue Diamond Ready Mix, where he worked in any position and retired as a Heavy Equipment Operator, they moved to in Lake Havasu City at the end of 1999. He loved the lake, but most importantly his involvement with the Over The Hill Gang car club and driving his 1936 Chevy. He was the cook for the club, either smoking tri-tips or pork loin for their annual club picnic. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage, swimming with his dog Hoover and having his friends and family around. It was seldom that he missed his early morning coffee with his buddies. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be missed dearly. We love you! See you in Heaven. Peter is survived by his loving wife of nearly 55 years, Donna VanderMeulen of Lake Havasu City; sons Peter Michael and John Edward VanderMeulen; daughter Donna DeLynn; grandchildren Brian, Joshua, Terra, Morgan and Maxwell. Graveside services and interment will be held at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens on Tues., Sept. 27, at 10:30 a.m. with full Military Honors presented by the VFW. The family requests in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Peter's name to Hospice of Havasu, 365 S. Lake Havasu Ave., LHC. AZ. 86405 or to a charity of your choice. Condolences can be submitted to the family through www.lakehavasumortuary.com. Arrangements are under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory.