Van Maaren, Elmer 1922-2007

VAN MAAREN, BOENDER, WYMA

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/20/2008 at 21:01:18

Elmer Van Maaren was the fifth of 10 children born to Gerrit Cornelius and Sarah Boender Van Maaren. He was born September 7, 1922, on a farm near Sully. Elmer attended the country grade school through the eighth grade. He worked for the Clover Leaf Dairy and the Farmers Union Locker as a young man.

On Aug. 29, 1944, Elmer was united in marriage with Anna Wyma, a daughter of Henry and Effie Wyma, at the parsonage of Rev. Havercamp, pastor of the First Reformed Church in Pella. To this union four children were born: Sharon Kay, James Edwin, Linda Diane and Sherri Lynn.

Elmer then became a welder for Van Gorp Manufacturing Company in Pella and worked there diligently for 36 years until he retired in 1988. After retirement Elmer enjoyed working part time at Red Rock Rubber in Pella.

Elmer passed away unexpectedly at his home on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007 at the age of 84. Those who will cherish his memory are his wife, Ann; their four children and their spouses, 12 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

Of his original family Elmer leaves his sisters: Hilda (Arthur) Rus, Beulah and her husband Don Van Halen, Sara Mae Van Maaren all of Pella; and his brother, Alfred Van Maaren and his wife, Carolyn of Pella. Elmer leaves his sister-in-law, Nellie (Cornelius) Van Maaren of Denver, CO, and a brother-in-law, Henry Dykstra of Monroe.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers- Cornelius, Paul, John and Gerald Van Maaren and his sister, Esther Dykstra.

He was baptized in the First Reformed Church of Sully, and was a member of the Trinity Reformed Church in Pella most of his lifetime. Elmer enjoyed woodworking, especially at home doing crafts. He liked to collect and make clocks and attending garage sales to find them. His family will also remember his love of gospel music. Elmer was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to the American Cancer Society.

The Knoxville Journal Express, May 25, 2007