VAN WYKE, Elmer 1933-2009

VAN WYKE, DE BOER, LAMMERS

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 6/27/2009 at 08:18:06

ELMER VAN WYK, 76, of Sioux Center, IA, formerly of George, IA, died Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at the Royale Meadows Care Center in Sioux Center.

A funeral service was held Saturday at the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center, with interment in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center.

Elmer was born in Sheldon, Iowa on January 3, 1933, one of seven sons born to Harry and Hattie (De Boer) Van Wyk. He was raised near Carnes, Iowa and attended country school through the eighth grade. He attended high school at Northwestern Academy in Orange City. As a young man he worked in construction.

He served in the U.S. Army from January 1954 to January 1956, most of which time was spent stationed in Germany. After receiving his honorable discharge he returned to Orange City where he worked at the Armour Packing Plant.

On August 8, 1958, he married Elizabeth (Betty) Lammers in Sioux Center, Iowa and was later blessed with two sons. After living in Tyler, MN where Elmer worked for the Elevator, he attended Barber College. His family settled in George, Iowa after he opened Van Wyk’s Barber Shop. Elmer also worked as a hog buyer for Supreme Packing Company while barbering. He drove the school bus for the George School District for 25 years. Elmer later moved his barber shop to Maurice, Iowa, and he and Betty moved to nearby Sioux Center in 2001.

In George, Elmer served as a deacon at Hope Reformed Church and later became a member of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the American Legion, and was active in Jaycees and the George Chamber of Commerce. He became a member of First Reformed Church after settling in Sioux Center.

Elmer enjoyed attending sporting events and felt honored to drive bus for the George high school athletes. His spare time was spent playing cards with friends, camping, traveling, fishing and enjoying life. Elmer Van Wyk was known for his terrific sense of humor and brilliant smile. For most of his adult life, Elmer worked as a professional barber. His friendly, playful personality made him well-suited for the atmosphere in his barber shops in George and Maurice, Iowa.

Surviving is his wife of 50 years, Betty Van Wyk of Sioux Center; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Lori Van Wyk of Sioux Falls and son, Jerry Van Wyk of Sioux Center. Elmer is also survived by three brothers and sisters-in-law: Gerrit and Phyllis Van Wyk of Orange City; Peter and Kathleen Van Wyk of Orange City; John and Norma Van Wyk of Sioux Center along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Mike, Harry and Don Van Wyk and sister-in-law, Shirley Van Wyk

(Memorial Funeral Home, Sioux Center, IA obituary)