Gos VanderStappen

Gos VanderStappen, affectionately known as “Gos the Boss” and beloved Opa, passed away peacefully in his home on August 21, 2024, surrounded by family. He was 96 years old. 

Born on July 25, 1928, in Tilburg, Netherlands, he was one of six siblings. Gos honorably served in the Dutch military in Indonesia before marrying Els Habraken and immigrating to Ogden, Utah in 1957. 

Gos and Els came to the United States to find a better life and start their family. After working at Ogden Iron Works and Jetway for several years, Gos achieved one of his dreams by opening up his own steel fabrication business in 1974. 

Gos loved his family above all else. Spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was the highlight of his days, creating memories with them they will forever cherish. Gos loved to travel and always took his family on trips, picnics and loved to play in the pool with his grandchildren. He attended every sporting event, birthday, and special occasion and was an avid soccer fan. 

Gos had an exceptional work ethic. He instilled the values of hard work and dedication in his children. His yard was meticulously maintained, and he had exacting standards for how the lawn should be mowed and how the garage should be kept. 

As we bid farewell to Gos, we carry his memory in our hearts. He devoted his life to loving, protecting and supporting his family, no matter the circumstances. 

Gos is survived by his daughters, Nancy (Bob) Emenger and Cindy (Mat) Doebler; daughter-in-law, Mauree VanderStappen; his six grandchildren, Amber, Chris, Robby, Thomas, Connor, and Addison; and his four great-grandchildren, Ivvy-Els, Noah, Bostyn, and Liam. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Els VanderStappen; his son, Ron VanderStappen; granddaughter, Angelina Doebler; his parents; and siblings.

Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1100 East 5550 South, South Ogden. Friends may visit with family on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family followed by the rosary at 10:30 a.m. Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd.

The family would like to thank Dr. Sumanti V. Gupta, Tenzin K. Phunrab, APRN, and Dr. John Hemmersmeier for their never-ending care. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Gos VanderStappen’s memory to Huntsman Cancer Foundation at https://healthcare.utah.edu/huntsmancancerinstitute/foundation/ways-to-give

We will forever remember and honor “Gos the Boss”, beloved Opa and father. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his memory continue to light our lives.

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