Danny C. Vanderham

Danny Cornelius Vanderham

9/19/1953 – 6/7/2026

Danny Cornelius Vanderham, 72, left his temporal journey to begin his eternal life with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 7, 2026. He entered into heaven peacefully with his family by his side after a short and unforgiving battle with esophageal cancer.

Danny was born on September 19, 1953 in Long Beach, California. He was raised on their family-owned and -operated dairy farm and attended schools in La Mirada. He moved to Ontario, California, during his junior year at Neff High School, transferring and graduating as a Cowboy from Chino High School in 1971. He began milking cows on the family farm and knew then he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a dairyman himself.

He spent many hours in his youth working on his ’Cuda striving to make it faster and louder. His time paid off, since he attended drag races and won many times. He played on multiple city and church softball teams where he pitched, and he loved the fun times they had together. Many days were spent in his boat on the lakes and rivers filled with friends, laughter, and so many memories.

Danny met his lifelong partner, Jeanie Van Leeuwen, at church youth group. After dating for three and a half years, they married in August of 1975. They quickly got to work building a life they loved together. Their business in dairying started in July of 1977 by sharing a facility with Jeanie’s dad and brother. They would end up relocating their business two times over the next 16 years. During this time, they grew their family by adding four sons and one daughter. In 1992, they made their final move to Wendell, Idaho, where they built their home and raised their children on their farm, Hilltop Dairy. Danny provided his wife with a good life (Ephesians 5:25). He made Jeanie laugh daily and worked hard as the head of his home and rarely missed a day tending to the herd.

Danny’s love and devotion to family was undeniable. They enjoyed spending time together while raising their children and participating in a variety of activities. They loved bowling, boating, water and snow skiing, razor riding, playing board games and cards, vacationing, golfing, and watching TV together—especially cheering on the Seattle Seahawks. He has passed down his love for music to his children as well. Although Danny didn’t have rhythm—he couldn’t sing or dance—he knew every artist and lyric to the “greatest music of all time”—the sixties and seventies.

Above all, Danny served the Lord and the church—a cornerstone of his life. He was a committed attendee of New Life Community Church (NLCC) and was devoted to his church family there. He gave of himself freely and joyfully in service to others. During his 34 years at NLCC, he served on the board, ran the sound system, made sure the property was cared for and the needed supplies never ran out, to name just a few. He was the definition of a good and faithful servant. We rejoice in knowing he has entered into the joy of the Lord (Matthew 25:21).

Danny was a humble, hardworking, kind, and honest man. He never needed or wanted recognition for himself (Jeremiah 9:23-24). Everyone who knew him will miss the twinkle in his eyes when he smiled and his contagious laugh. Danny had many best friends and no enemies—as everyone was welcome at his table. His life was a blessing, and he will be truly missed by so many—our memories with him will last forever.

Danny rejoices in heaven with those he once missed—his parents, Cornie and Marian Vanderham.

His memory is carried on by those he loved most—his wife of 50 years, Jeanie; his children, Ryan Daniel (Kristyn), Craig Philip (Juliana), Adam Jon (Shay), Danielle Jean (Tyler Lassen), and Dustin Cornelius (Brittany); his twelve grandchildren—Collin, Anneke, Treysen, Teagan, Cooper, Aria, Kamdon, Hans, Kairys, Maverick, Hollyn, and Brixton, whom he loved and cherished with all of his heart. He also leaves his only brother, Kenneth Vanderham, along with several in-laws, nieces and nephews, his many great friends, and beloved dog, Sammy.

Danny’s pride and joy were his children and grandchildren, and he rarely missed an activity or sport they were involved in. He was proud of his children and expressed this up until his last days. The righteous man walks in integrity, His children are blessed after him. Proverbs 20:7

Arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home, Twin Falls, Idaho. A Celebration of Life will be held at New Life Community Church in Wendell, Idaho, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 11:00 am. A livestream of the service will be available through the Rosenau website or via the NLCC Facebook page. At Danny’s wishes, there will be no viewing.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at Farmers National Bank to “Danny Vanderham Golf Memorial” designated to youth golfers. Danny's love of golf was one of life's great pleasures for him. It is his family's hope that through this fund the same love of the game will take root in and help young players for generations to come.