Neil Van Vradenburg was born July 2, 1952 to Hershel\"Van\" Addison and Virginia Frances Luse Vradenburg in Monrovia, California. He was the fifth of five children Suzanne, Gary, Dale, Terry, and Neil. Being the youngest he had a lot of time alone and loved music. He started playing the guitar to fill up his time. He also started jogging as he enjoyed being healthy. He was raised in Arcadia, California. He attended and graduated from Arcadia High School.
On June 29 1984, Neil married Jana Melton and they had 6 children together. Neil, Spencer, Kimberly, Jacqueline, Christine, and Jerry. During this time they moved back and forth to Utah and Arcadia. Eventually settling in West Jordan. He played in several bands in Arcadia and in Utah. One band, "Straitjacket", from Orem , UT, reached local fame and had an article written about them in the local newspaper.
When he settled in West Jordan UT to raise his family, he also was working for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was a custodian at a building in Sandy, UT. Neil was into health and decided to become a massage therapist. He continued his music, jogging, and playing in bands. He was involved in AA for 35 years. He went yearly to their retreat and performed for them. Most recently he worked for Target but eventually had to cut back hours as he had received the diagnosis of Cancer. He never stopped performing if there was an opportunity.
Neil lost the battle to cancer on August 1, 2017. He had his family and loved ones at his bedside and he passed peacefully. He was preceded in death by his parents Hershel and Virginia and his siblings, Suzanne, Gary, and Dale. Also, by one granddaughter Jae Louise.
He is survived by his sister Terry Weber and his 6 children, Neil, Spencer, Kimberly, Jacqueline, Christine and Jerry. Also by two Grandchildren Patience Vradenburg and Addison Harvey. We are sure he is with his family and friends that have passed on. He is probably singing and performing, bringing joy to all of those around him, as he did for so many years here on earth. He will be missed.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) in Sandy, UT. A visitation will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the services.
