Bob Van Wingerden dies after hot water holding tank ruptures at Catoctin Mtn Growers

Bob Van Wingerden, the owner and founder of Catoctin Mtn Growers in Keymar, Maryland, died three days after he was injured when a large hot water holding tank ruptured in an incident that was initially reported to be a fire or explosion, according to local fire officials and Van Wingerden's obituary.

According to a news release from the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal, firefighters from the Carroll County (Maryland) Department of Fire and EMS and Frederick County (Maryland) Fire & Rescue responded to a reported boiler explosion at the 23-acre operation on Sixes Bridge Road shortly after 5 p.m. March 20.

First responders found extensive damage, including partially collapsed sections of the building and an overturned vehicle tangled in the debris.

Three employees were injured, including the 65-year-old Van Wingerden. He was flown to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center with critical injuries. Two other employees sustained burn injuries. Of those two, one was transported by ambulance to the same facility in stable condition; the other refused treatment.

A team of investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives determined a large hot water holding tank had ruptured, suddenly spilling its entire 1.1 million gallons of 180-degree water throughout the area. This caused damage consistent with an explosion, officials said.

The Carroll County (Maryland) Sheriff's Office and Maryland Occupational Safety and Health responded due to the injured employees.

After concluding its on-scene investigation, the Office of the State Fire Marshal referred the matter to the Maryland Department of Labor Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Inspection Unit for further investigation.

According to his obituary, Van Wingerden passed away on March 23.

He  was born July 11, 1960, in New Jersey, the 13th of 16 children in the Van Wingerden greenhouse family. In June 1985, he married Denise Hayden, and together, they began Catoctin Mtn Growers.

The company started with 1 acre of greenhouse growing space and has grown to 17 acres of under-glass greenhouse and 15 acres of outdoor growing space. It grows annuals, perennials, mums and poinsettias and supplies other greenhouses, garden centers and large retailers.

Van Wingerden is survived by his four children, William, Tyler, Christina and Blake, as well as eight grandchildren, Ryan, Brandon, William, Justin, Cora, Katherine, Cameron and Isabella, with a ninth, Roberta, expected to arrive before the end of March.

His children all work at the family business: Bill is farm operations manager, Tyler is president/CEO, Christina is greenhouse manager and Blake works in business development.

His obituary described him as "steadfast, faithful, and strong. His identity was rooted in Jesus Christ, and all of his life decisions were based on his faith in the God of the Bible," his obituary continues. "Bob loved serving in mission work, specifically in Haiti and Africa, his deepest loves were simply working in his business and being with his family. In his later years, he was able to mix both as all of his children worked with him at Catoctin Mtn. Growers."

The business posted on social media that the retail greenhouse along Sixes Bridge Road was not in the affected area. The retail business had its seasonal opening scheduled for the day after the incident, on March 21.

The family will receive friends from 9 to 11 a.m. April 11, 2026, at Uniontown Church, 4272 Watson Lane, Union Bridge, MD 21791. A memorial service will begin at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Van Wingerden's memory to Mount Airy Christian Academy, 16700 Old Frederick Road, Mt Airy, MD 21771, or mail checks payable to New Market Baptist Church, 3200 Ridge Road, Westminster, MD.

Several people posted tributes to Van Wingerden on his obituary tribute wall. A selection of tributes is listed below.

"1Corinthians 15:55-57 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. You have guided our children and me in the ways of the Lord and we will be forever grateful. So many are asking so I will share here... Bob was #13 of 16 children, from the 16 children there are 116 grandchildren, 268 great grandchildren (our son, Tyler and his wife, Kelley, will be delivering #269 today), and 11 great great grandchildren. So thankful Bob picked me to be his wife and be able to share over 40 years together." -Denise Van Wingerden

"I’ve known Bob since 1985 when I was 15 years old. I was his very first employee! He was an incredibly good, hardworking man of Christ and wonderful neighbor. He always had a kind word, would do anything for his neighbors and he and Denise raised a beautiful, loving family. He was one in a million! He will be greatly missed by everyone who was blessed enough to know him." -Caroline Trevorrow

"I am so sad to hear about what has happened to Bob. I worked for Bob at one point. He was a great man to work for. He could be tough . . . But he was also honest, fair, and always treated me with respect. When I think about my time at Catoctin Mtn Growers, I realize that was one of the best periods in my life. My deepest condolences go out to his family. Rest well Bob. You will be missed" -Todd Toms

"Dear Blake and family, I am very sorry to hear about your father’s passing. It was a pleasure meeting him and spending some time with you both during your visit to our greenhouse in Apopka, FL a couple of months ago. He struck me as a knowledgeable and dedicated grower, and it was clear he carried a strong legacy in the industry. I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to walk the greenhouse with all of you. Please extend my heartfelt condolences to you, all of your family, and your entire team. Our prayers are with you all during this difficult time. From our greenhouse to yours, we wish you peace." -Cat Gehring, Moss Hill Foliage

"Mr. Van Wingerden was always very kind to me. I’d go over to their house because I was middle school friends with Tyler and Bill. He was tough, but the good kind. Pushed me to be brave, respect the machines and even employed me for a few Saturday retail sessions. I think it technically was my first job. Just a great man whom, along with Mrs. Van Wingerden, built some fiercely awesome kids." -Ben Meyers

"With heavy hearts, we received the devastating news that Bob passed away following a tragic accident at his company. Bob was far more to us than a valued customer. In our conversations, we shared about faith and about supporting projects in Africa, things that were deeply important to him, and to us. In those moments, we came to know him as a man of sincerity, generosity, and conviction. We grieve his loss deeply. At the same time, we hold on to the hope of the Gospel, trusting that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8, KJV). On behalf of everyone at Rovero, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family. May the Lord uphold you and surround you with His peace and comfort in these difficult days. You are in our prayers." -Jacco van Delden; Rovero Systems

"I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Vanwingerden numerous times over the years on various projects. He was always very pleasant to work with and I enjoyed watching his business grow over the years. Let the perpetual light shine upon him." -Matt McMahon, District Manager, Carroll Soil Conservation District

"I remembered Bob has a quiet, friendly, Godly, family man. I always felt so welcomed when we had our soccer banquets at the greenhouse. I am so devastated for you all. God will see you through this awful and tragic storm. I love you all and am here if you need anything at all. Praying." -Coach Christen Gjeldum and Family

"Bob was one of the members of the Board of Directors of Double Harvest in Haiti, an organization that has served our community for more than 30 years, transforming lives through education, employment opportunities, housing construction, healthcare, evangelism, spiritual formation, and much more. Having personally served at Double Harvest for several years, I can testify to his love for the Lord and his exemplary work ethic, which inspired in others the best of themselves and a pursuit of excellence. His sudden passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of his entire family and brings profound grief to all those he so generously served in Haiti, out of compassion, yes, but above all out of love for the Lord. On my behalf and on behalf of all those whose lives have been touched by his service, we extend our most sincere condolences to his wife, his children, and the entire family. May God, by His Spirit, comfort and sustain you in this painful time. May you find peace in the certainty of his hope in Christ — and of ours." -Jean Garry Auguste, Haiti

"I will always remember Mr. Van Wingerden as one of the father figures of Calvary Baptist Church who greatly influenced me during formative years of my life. Some of the ways were direct, as when he taught Bible lessons at church or led the family in worship after dinner every time I was ever a guest in the home. Some of the ways were more indirect, as I worked for Catoctin Mtn. Growers summer after summer and, one year, joined a youth group mission trip to Double Harvest. I saw Mr. Van Wingerden's godly leadership exemplified in his business: each work day opened in prayer and scripture was displayed in the greenhouse breakroom. And at Double Harvest I gained insight about and began desiring to support worldwide mission work. I am thankful for his service to the Lord and his impact on me—he was the type of man I hope my own children will be influenced and taught by as they grow up. I am incredibly sorry for your loss and praying for all of you! With love" -Lauren Stuhmer