Paul R. Vondersaar
89, Avon, passed away January 14, 2017, surrounded by his 7 children who will dearly miss him. Paul was born to the late Alma and Albert Vondersaar on June 27, 1927, in Indianapolis. He was preceded in death in 2015 by his wife of 64 years, Joan Vondersaar. Survivors include children, Anne (Steven) Gaylord, Paul (Jean) Vondersaar II, Carole (Thomas) Seidl, Thomas (Cynthia) Vondersaar, Joseph (Nancy) Vondersaar, Mary (Sean) Barnes, and Kathryn (Christopher) Lee; 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. After graduating from the Purdue University School of Agriculture in 1949, Paul married the love of his life, Joan Coyle. They settled in Brownsburg where he was a farmer. Paul and Joan raised their children in Brownsburg and were active members of St. Malachy Parish. He later left farming and formed Vondersaar Construction Co, Inc. specializing in the building of custom homes. In 1983, he custom designed and built his own home in Avon where Joan and he lived their remaining years. Paul had many talents and interests. He was an avid woodworker. He made many pieces of fine furniture with Indiana cherry and walnut that filled his home, as well as pieces for his children and grandchildren. He also loved growing orchids. At one time, he grew orchids commercially. His collection grew to more than 10,000 plants and he sold the blossoms to local wholesale florists. He later downsized to a smaller private collection. Paul exhibited and won awards for his flowers at area orchid shows. He was a member of the Indiana Orchid Society and the president of the Hoosier Orchid Society. Visitation will be from 4-7pm Thurs. January 19 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11am Friday Jan. 20 at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Brownsburg. Burial will be in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery in Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Indian School, 1301 North Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325 at www.stjo.org