WESTERLO — “After a courageous battle with lung cancer, Willie passed away on Monday, April 13, 2020 at St. Peter’s Hospital,” his family wrote in a tribute. “As with so many others during these coronavirus times, it was so frustrating not being able to be by his side.” He was 61.

Mr. Van Iderstine was born on Aug. 7, 1958 in Albany. He lived in Dormansville/Westerlo all of his life. He was the son of the late Bernice (nee Hotaling) and Richard Van Iderstine Sr.

He was a 1977 graduate of Greenville Central School. “He was a hard worker who had many skills for just about any job, from working at the Original Applebee’s feed store and Woodruff’s, to doing masonry at Paddock Pools,” his family wrote.

When his daughter was born, he started working for the Albany Water Department. He was the Chief of Security with the City of Albany Water Board for 21 years until his retirement in 2017. He was a very active member of the Westerlo Zoning Board, Westerlo Rod and Gun Club, and Dormansville Methodist Church for many years.

“He loved his family (making what he thought was his mother’s coleslaw for all family gatherings); hunting was his passion (deer and turkey season were national holidays for him and his close buddies); and he loved vacationing at the Cape, being in the woods, spending time with his daughter, and telling stories,” his family wrote.

“One of his friends said he was the GIVER. That he certainly was,” the tribute said. “He was always there for everyone else. He would give you the shirt off his back, and probably did once or twice. However, during his battle, he never wanted to be an inconvenience to anyone. He never understood that he was someone people wanted to give back to.

“As to his storytelling, no one could tell a story like him. The next time you heard a story, it was most likely embellished a bit. He had a great smile and a contagious laugh.”

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Wilfred John Van Iderstine is survived by his wife of 36 years, Renee (née Wisenburn); his best friend and beautiful daughter, Autumn; his sisters, Risë and Sharon (Paul) Van Iderstine, his brother, Roger, of Tennessee, brother-in-law John Barkley, sister-in-law Tonya Van Iderstine, his father-in-law, John Wisenburn, mother-in-law, Nancy (Steve) Smith, brothers-in-law John (Angel) and Daniel (Wendy) Wisenburn.

In addition to his parents, his sister Denise (John) Barkley died before him, as did his brothers Richard Jr. (Linda); Garry (Tonya), and Darrin Van Iderstine. 

He is also survived by his nieces, Linda Van Iderstine, Andrea Irizarry, Alicia (Frank) Lomeo, Alyssa Wisenburn, Madison Wisenburn, Chelsea Ruggiero, and Brianna Seymour; nephews, Richard III (Lisa), Jeffrey (Tina) Van Iderstine, Steven (Aliexa) Irizarry; Johnny Wisenburn III, and Jacob Ruggiero; great nieces, Samantha, Stephanie, and Megan Van Iderstine; great nephews Richard IV Van Iderstine, Nolan and Sawyer Brown, Samuel Irizarry, Noah Seymour, and Caeden Glindmyer; grand-niece Luna Belle and grand-nephew Richard V. 

“He will be deeply missed by his entire family, hunting buddies (who were more like family), and many, many friends,” his family wrote. “Anyone who knew Willie knows how amazing he truly was. We can’t begin to imagine life without him.”

The family thanks the nursing staff at St. Peter’s for their care of Willie and patience with his sisters during the stress of these times. “Thanks for what you do.

“Also a special thanks to all of Willie’s wonderful hunting buddies/dearest friends for helping him and the family these past few years.”

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the burial service, which will be on Saturday, April 18, at the Onesquethaw Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. Due to the current circumstances there will be a small viewing for immediate family only.

We will be holding a proper memorial and celebration of life at a later date for all other friends and family.

Memorial messages may be left at www.altamontenterprise.com/milestones. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at stjude.org.