Jan “John” Van Wageningen, Sr.

Jan Van Wageningen Sr. (John), lovingly know as “Farmer” and “Opa”, age 70, of Ogdensburg, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Jan was born in the Netherlands to Hendrick and Maud Van Wageningen. He spent his early life there before his family immigrated to the United States, eventually settling in Wayne, New Jersey.

In March of 1974, Jan enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country. While stationed in Germany, he earned his high school diploma from Frankfurt American High School. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Jan returned home and worked a variety of jobs before finding his place at Alexander Hay Greenhouses in North Haledon. The greenhouse became more than just a job- it reflected who he was: steady, hardworking, and quietly dedicated. He remained there for several years until his retirement in 2019.

Jan was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes. His love for his family was steady, constant, and deeply felt. He found joy in the simple things- sharing a cup of coffee, fishing, playing scratch off lottery tickets, watching NASCAR or football, and spending time with the people he loved most.

Of all his accomplishments nothing meant more to Jan than being a grandfather. Being “Opa” was his greatest pride and joy, a role he embraced fully and spoke about often with a quiet smile and unmistakable love.

Jan will be remembered for his quiet strength, gentle presence, and the deep love he carried for his family. He was the kind of man who didn’t need many words to make a lasting impact. His love, his strength, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

Jan is survived by his two sisters: Corey Pollara, Tanny Schneider and five brothers: Hank, Johan, Neil, Pete, and Dave Van Wageningen; his six children: Dawn and her husband Timothy (Tex) Beeman, Brian and his wife Lindsay Van Wageningen, Jeffrey (Jeff) and his wife Briana Van Wageningen, Shannon and her husband Kenneth (Kenny) Poyer, Douglas (Doug) Van Wageningen and his fiancé Cara Maloney, and Dennis Van Wageningen; his eighteen grandchildren: Brayden, Olivia, Evan William, Tyler & (fiancé Jojo Krimmer), Jenn & (husband Lance Cotter), Matthew, Kayden, Bryce, Preston, Karlie, Lydia, Riley, Emma, Codie, Chase, Raelynn, Zoey, Kensley; his five step grandchildren: Anna, Sara, Justin, Ayden, StarLynn; and future great grand daughter River Noel Cotter.

Jan is predeceased by his parents Hendrik and Maud Van Wageningen, his sister Kathy Hogan, and his son Jan (John) Van Wageningen, Jr..