Jefferson Eric Van Wingerden, 41 passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 20, 2021 in Colorado Springs. He was born in Brazil on July 30, 1980 to Claide and Francisco Manuel DaSilva and later adopted by Arie Van Wingerden and Lynn McMillen.
He is survived by his parents Arie and Lynn, 23 siblings including his biological sister Michelle Van Wingerden of Colorado Springs and Joshua Alex Robertson (Elizabeth Cain) of Kent, Ohio, many nieces and nephews, his loving and supportive life partner Lori Goings and her two boys, as well as many aunts and uncles and countless friends.
He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Robert and Millie McMillen and paternal grandparents Aart and Cora Van Wingerden, his niece Ashley Sue Van Wingerden and baby brother Abram Van Wingerden. He is also preceded in death by his best friend and brother James “JD” D. Alexander.
Jefferson was a friend to many people. He was always willing to help anyone, especially those he loved. Although he endured many hardships in his lifetime, he always had a big smile on his face and always possessed a positive attitude. In the last few years of his life, he was diagnosed with epilepsy and although living with this debilitating disorder daily, you could witness him embrace his faith and thank God for each day he was able to walk on this Earth.
He LOVED his Dallas Cowboys and never wavered his devotion to his beloved team, win or lose. On any given day, he’d be wearing something with his team’s logo, whether it be a t-shirt, hoodie, beanie, sunglasses or one of his beloved jerseys.
All the hater’s banters he received for cheering his team on never phased him. His loyalty was unbending.
He had many dreams and aspirations. One of those became reality when he became the founder, owner and operator of In & Out Moving. With the help of his loving and supporting girlfriend, Lori, his many ideas to grow his company and how to better serve his customers became something that he’d endlessly worked hard on a daily basis. He put in his heart, soul and sweat into the company. In persevering and working hard to build up his status and clientele, he gained some very loyal customers and employees.
Jefferson loved the outdoors, the beautiful Colorado mountains and the majestic formation and views at Garden of the Gods. He and Lori would drive thru there almost on a daily basis. He always said it calmed his nerves. He marveled at God’s beauty for giving him a bit of peace each day.
Jefferson was dearly loved by so many people and his passing from this Earth has left an unfillable void in a lot of hearts, however we look forward to the day when we will be reunited with him again. But for now we will be comforted with the knowledge that his spirit is always watching over us.
WE DEM BOYZ!
A Visitation will be held 9:00am with funeral service at 10:00am at the Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery with reception to follow.
Mike Demuth
28 Sep 2021I will miss you, my friend. When JD died, I was struggling to cope. A family member told me that the best way to cope is to just make your life better in honor of those who are gone. So please, friends of Jefferson, make your lives better… in honor of Jefferson.
Oh, and Jefferson, the Cowboys still stuck, GO BRONCOS!!! lol… 😉
The Kepner & Russell family
28 Sep 2021May God bless and keep you in this time of separation, knowing that someday you will see J’s wonderful smile once again. Our deepest condolences to each of you.
Deborah Hall
29 Sep 2021I will miss you Jefferson. You were like a son to me. Always there when I needed you. See you someday again.
God bless your soul…
Jennifer wright
29 Sep 2021I’m so very sad I did not get to see you, your last message to me was being so excited I was coming to Colorado. Jim and I like to take credit for your love of the cowboys ?
Love you lil cuz.
LaTricia Strange
29 Sep 2021I love you brother, rest in Heaven
I can’t wait until I can see you again on the other side
Nancy burress
29 Sep 2021so very sorry for your loss Lynn and your family. keeping you in my prayers.
Johanna Anderson
29 Sep 2021Jefferson was the kindest soul and left such a big imprint in my heart. He was always there for me and his dear Friend Chad who passed last year. He and Lori helped me move this year and also helped my sister with special needs move as well. His great, big old heart will be missed by many, especially me. Love and God’s blessings to his family and friends.
Vanessa Ransom
29 Sep 2021My brother Jeff I can’t believe you are gone. I still remember being the first van wingerden’s children to meet you, and Tati-michelle. Our Bond of being from Brazil will never be broken. I’ll take care of our sister, Tati for you. Thanks, for our last conversation. Our conversation was so inspiring. You talked about God and forgiveness and how to be a great human being you inspired me to be a better person. We will visit Brazil in your honor. Till we meet again meu irmão. Que saudade. Te amo. Vanessa and Reye- Riah Ransom, and Logan Van wingerden- Brewer.
Anonymous
30 Sep 2021I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Jeff. I do remember his great smile.
I am thinking of all you as you grieve during this time.
Love, Aunt Marianne and family
Dave B.
31 Dec 2021Jefferson,
From the day we met you treated me as though we had been friends forever. We instantly clicked, you were more than a friend almost immediately, we laughed until tears so many times I can’t count them, we worked together at a couple of different jobs, man somehow you made some tough jobs really fun! One of my favorite memories is you at my parents house in Springs with all of their dogs sitting with you on that chair, you were like the dog whisperer! I’ve got so many great stories it would fill a book. For 10+ yrs we were so blessed to have you at Thanksgiving or Christmas and sometimes both sharing always a bunch of laughs, lots of food, (you loved the Greek desserts), but most of all we spent meaningful time. Jefferson you are a member of our family, we all love you! My parents, my sister, my brother, my wife and I will always have these special memories of our time together. You were always there for me, the most loyal friend anyone could ever ask for. Thank you for being a part of our lives. I love you brother. Rest in Paradise