Gary Vanerstrom Obituary – Napa, CA (1934-2024)

Gary Stewart Vanerstrom passed away peacefully on June 8, 2024 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Gary was born and raised in Bellingham Washington along with two younger brothers. After graduating from Western Washington University, Gary came to California and settled in Contra Costa County where he began teaching in the Mount Diablo School District and started a family with his first wife Evelyn Lorentzen Vanerstrom. During his career in education he taught high school business, became an elementary school assistant principal, and eventually an elementary school principal. As a hobby he enjoyed participating in the Contra Costa Home Winemaker’s Group. He also enjoyed gardening and had a lifelong love of jazz, especially big band music. Gary always dreamed of working in a winery when he retired. That dream became a reality in 1999 when he moved to Napa and began working as a tasting room host at Artesa Winery; a job he enjoyed for many years. Gary’s heart was filled with gratitude and compassion. He was always kind and found great joy in helping others and donating to national and local charities. Gary is survived by his wife, Linda Courtney Henderson; his children, Kari Vanerstrom Dittmer, Stewart Vanerstrom, and Kollette Vanerstrom Wilkinson; and his grandchildren, Troy and Kyle Vanerstrom and Seth and Lucy Dittmer.