Van Wyk, Cathryn (Pothoven) 1926-2007

VAN WYK, POTHOVEN, STURSMA

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/28/2008 at 21:31:15

Cathryn Pothoven Van Wyk, the second daughter of Otto and Effie (Stursma) Pothoven, was born October 31, 1926 on her parents' farm southeast of Peoria. She passed away on March 22, 2007 at the Mahaska Hospital in Oskaloosa, Iowa at the age of eighty years.

Cathryn received her grade school education at the Peoria Christian School, graduating from eighth grade with honors. She did not attend high school but helped at home and assisted neighbors with raising children and housework.

On February 26, 1948 Cathryn was united in marriage with Harry C. Van Wyk at the Peoria Christian Reformed Church. To this union five children were born: Rodney, Leo, Dennis, Arlys, and Luann.

Cathryn professed her faith at an early age and was a life-long member of the Peoria Christian Reformed Church. She attended ladies Bible studies and societies when able. She was a charter member of Peoria Christian School Circle and worked many hours in support of the school. She was also a member of the Just We Neighbors Club.

Harry and Cathryn farmed northwest of New Sharon for fifty-eight years. In March of 2006 they became residents of the New Sharon Nursing and Rehab Center in New Sharon, where Harry passed away on July 25, 2006. Cathryn remained a resident there until her death.

Cathryn's greatest joys in life were her family, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was very patient, kind, and loving and showed a servant-like attitude modeled after her faithful Savior. Due to health problems in later years, Cathryn was not able to get out a lot but was content to be at home, meeting the needs of her husband and children. One place she was able to go was Sunday morning worship services which she enjoyed and were an inspiration to her. Cathryn was a diabetic for well over forty years and in 2003 suffered amputation of both lower legs but was still determined and able to return to her own home for three years.

Those left to honor and cherish her memory are her three sons and their wives: Rodney and Janice Van Wyk, Leo and Mary Van Wyk, Dennis and Donna Van Wyk; two daughters and their husbands: Arlys and Leon Van Kooten and Luann and Rick Boggess; fifteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters and their husbands: Vera and Marion Franje and Gladys Ann and John DeRooi; her brother and his wife: Stan and Marcia Pothoven.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, Harry, and an older sister, Gladys.

Burial took place at the Peoria Cemetery. The Garden Chapel Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

The Pella Chronicle, April 20, 2007