Jacob Martin Vander Meer, 87, Clermont, went home to be with the Lord on February 23, 2015. He was born in Grand Rapids, MI on October 4, 1927 son of Jacob & Dena Dik Vander Meer. Married in 1947, he is preceded in death by his wife Dolores Mae Vander Meer. They shared 65 wonderful years together. Jay is also preceded in death by his sisters, Gladys Sikkema & Margaret Hollander, also his brothers, Garrett & Roy Vander Meer. He was a loving and devoted father to his daughter Shirlee Vander Meer and sons Terry Vander Meer (Pati) & Tim Vander Meer (Kaye). The special love he had for his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family will be treasured forever. Jay is a veteran of the US Navy, and proudly received the World War II Victory medal & the Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon. Jay enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and all outdoor activities. He was a practical jokester to family, friends and even strangers, especially laughing at himself. In Kalamazoo he founded a plastic injection molding company and was a general contractor building many homes. Upon moving to Clermont, he founded Clermont Realty in 1957, were he was a realtor and appraiser until he retired in 2001. Jay was president of the Lake County Board of Realtors in 1968 & 1981. He was also on the Lake County Planning and Zoning Board & served on the Clermont City Council beginning in 1962 & continued for three terms. Jay was key in moving the hospital to purchase the 40 acres it now sits on. He was active in the Clermont Community Foundation, always looking forward to his favorite "Pig on the Pond". He enjoyed his membership in the Clermont Lions Club for many years including all their functions and spaghetti dinners and his many officers positions. Jay was an active member in the South Lake Presbyterian Church where he was an Elder, Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. Jay had many cherished friendships and business relationships in the Clermont community. His generosity will be forever remembered.



Visitation will be from 6-8 PM on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at the funeral home. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at the graveside in Oak Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Mike Conley Hospice House, 2100 Oakley Seaver Drive, Clermont, FL 34711. BECKER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Clermont, FL. (www.beckerfamilyfuneral.com)