Vera Claus Van Der Knaap

Vera Claus Van der Knaap passed peacefully from this world to be with her Heavenly Father on October 9, 2018 at St. Josephs Villa in Salt Lake City, Utah where she resided for the last 5 years. She was born August 20th 1942, in The Hague, Netherlands to John J. Claus and Catherine A. Schoenmaker. She had one older sister, Yvonne Elder of Hayden Lake, Idaho.
She was born during WWII, so both she and her sister lived with grandparents in another part of the country on their farm in Friesland where it was safer and more food was available until the war ended. They were then reunited with their parents. When they were finally together, because of her young age, she had learned to speak the Friesland dialect so was unable to talk clearly with her parents until she learned Dutch as they spoke it.
She immigrated with her family to the United States, arriving in New York City on October 19th, 1949. They settled in Salt Lake City, where she attended school and then, during her working years, worked for Felt Auto Supply on State St in Salt Lake City for over 30 years until the business closed. She could tell you anything you needed to know about car parts.
She was sealed for time and all eternity to Arend Antonius Van der Knaap, in the Salt Lake Temple, on November 23, 1972, after the death of his first wife. They had many happy years together in their home on 9th East in Salt Lake City throughout their lives until her failing health caused her to move to St Joseph’s Villa. They had numerous pets throughout her life whom she dearly loved. Her hobbies included both knitting and crocheting which she enjoyed, and was able to make many lovely pieces which she shared with those she loved as well as those in need.
She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and held numerous callings. She was Relief Society President twice. Her favorite callings involved music which was her passion. She directed ward choirs, a Dutch choir, and was the congregation chorister in numerous wards throughout her life. She loved to sing and had a beautiful voice, which will now be a great addition to the heavenly choirs above.
She was preceded in death by her husband Arend in 2002, her parents John Claus and Cathy DeHaas, stepmother Rienkje Claus, stepfather John DeHaas, stepson Wilhelmus Van der Knaap, stepdaughter Antonia Kwick, her husband Gene Kwick, cousins Frits Claus and Frank Claus,and nephew Tracy Elder.
She is survived by sister Yvonne (Bud) Elder, stepdaughter Danice (Mark) Naumann, stepson Arend (Vicki) Van der Knaap, nieces Sonja (Robert) Davies, Heidi Keller and nephew Mark (Lori) Elder, cousins, Hans (Christie) Claus, Ann (John) Opfar, Sylvia (Bill) Simmons, Shirley (Tim) Cox, grandchildren; Angela (Fred) Long, Kristofer and Mary Kwick, Robert (Cara) Dautel, Susan (Diel) McKenzie, Marco Van der Knaap, Tessa Tilroe, as well as numerous other cousins, great grandchildren, great nieces and great nephews, many of whom lovingly nicknamed her “Aunt Bambi”. Also the many friends she loved, far too numerous to list.
We would like to express our appreciation to Ann Opfar for all the love and special service she gave to Vera during her last few difficult years, as well as the staff of St Joseph’s Villa for the kind and loving care that was provided to Vera during her time there.
The funeral will be Monday 10/15/18 in the Chapel at St Joseph’s Villa, 451 E. Bishop Federal Lane, Salt Lake City. Viewing from 1:30 PM, Service at 2:00PM with internment to follow at City Cemetery.
Service Information
Viewing October 15, 2018 at 1:30 PM
451 East Bishop Federal Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah





Funeral Service
October 15, 2018 at 2:00 PM
451 East Bishop Federal Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah