Van Gorp, Vera Marie (Sedrel) 1910-2006

SEDREL, CLARK, VAN GORP

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/29/2006 at 20:57:45

Vera Marie Sedrel was born on April 29, 1910, in Otley, Iowa. She was the daughter of Sam and Clara Ona Clark Sedrel. Vera became a member of the Tracy United Methodist Church in 1922 and attended the Tracy High School in Tracy, Iowa.

In 1927 the family moved to Pella, Iowa where she graduated from Pella High School in 1927. The year 1937 was a significant year for Vera. She graduated from the Capitol Beauty School of Cosmetology in Des Moines, Iowa, opened her beauty shop in Pella in October and became a member of the First Baptist Church in Pella.

On June 27, 1959, she was united in marriage with John Gysbert Van Gorp. They continued in the hatchery business with his son, Cornie, a business John had been associated with for over 55 years when he retired in 1984. Vera continued to operate her beauty shop until she retired in 1971 at which time Vera and John became residents at the Pella Manor. Vera faithfully assisted John with his failing health there until he became hospitalized and passed away on January 2, 1996 at the age of 91 years. Following his death Vera continued to reside at the Pella Manor and in October of 1998 became a resident at the Pella Community Nursing Home.

Vera resided there the remainder of her lifetime where she passed away on Monday morning April 10, 2006 just prior to her 96th birthday.

Surviving is her step-son, Cornie Marion Van Gorp and his wife, Helen of Pella; two step-grandsons: Gerald T. Van Gorp of Bellevue, Nebraska and David Stults of Panama City, Florida; 5 step-great-grandchildren; 5 step-great-great-grandchildren; along with her nephews and nieces. Vera was preceded in death by her husband, John G. Van Gorp; her parents: her father, Sam Sedrel who passed away April 30, 1966 and her mother, Clara Sedrel, on December 30, 1988; and her brother, Verlin Sedrel and his wife, Isabelle.

Vera remained a faithful and active member of the First Baptist Church in Pella as long as her health permitted. She was a member of the choir for many years singing solos and taught Sunday School for 17 years or more. She enjoyed music and was an avid reader.

For those desiring, memorials may be designated for the First Baptist Church or Hospice of Pella.

The Pella Chronicle, April 29, 2006