De Geus, William Nicholas 1936-2007

DE GEUS, PANNENKOEK, VER PLOEG

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/26/2008 at 19:26:20

William Nicholas De Geus, an only son, was the first of four children born to Cornelius (Neal) and Grace Pannekoek De Geus. He was born April 5th, 1936, in his grandmother's home at 829 Franklin Street in Pella, Iowa.

Willis, as he became known, attended the Pleasant Grove Country Grade School near Otley, Iowa. He graduated from Pella High School with the class of 1954 and immediately began farming with his father, living on and farming the same farm all his life. He also served a tour of duty with the Iowa National Guard.

On June 9th, 1961, Willis was united in marriage with Lorna Mae Ver Ploeg, a daughter of the late Gradus and Fannetta (Van Wyk) Ver Ploeg, at First Reformed Church in Pella. To this union four children were born: David William, Steven Neal, Susan Dawn and Brent William. In 2006, he and Lorna moved back into the home in Pella where he was born.

Willis observed his 71st birthday on April 5, 2007 and passed away that same day in his Pella home. He served for several years as a member of the Board of Directors of the Otley Cooperative. He had a vested interest in Steenhoek Implement at Knoxville, Iowa. He was a faithful, contributing member of the Otley Reformed Church in Otley where he was baptized and was a member his entire life. Willis enjoyed competing in corn-growing contests and participating in tractor rides. He took pride in his tractors and cars and maintained an active membership with the Red Rock Threshers.

Willis also enjoyed history, especially family history. He and Lorna loved to travel, whether it was a car ride around the Pella area, a cruise in Alaska or a trip to Europe. Willis enjoyed fishing trips to Canada and vacations with his family. He was always there to help his children whenever he was needed. He had a natural ability to converse with friends and strangers alike. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Those who will cherish his memory are his wife, Lorna; their four children: David De Geus and Steve De Geus both of Otley; Susan De Geus and her fiancé, Craig McLaughlin of Huxley, Iowa; and Brent De Geus of Cedar Rapids. Willis leaves his twin sisters and their husbands: Regina and Edgar Gritters, Marlena and Clarence Wichhart, all of Pella; his youngest sister and her husband, Joyce and Ronald Vander Leest of Johnston, Iowa; along with the following sisters in-law and brothers-in-law: Arlene (Ver Ploeg) and Loren Roorda of Montezuma, Iowa; Corinne (Ver Ploeg) and Simon Steenhoek of Pella; Gladys Ver Ploeg of Eagan, Minnesota; Henry and Sharon Ver Ploeg of Newton, Iowa; and Janice (Ver Ploeg) and David Klein of Pella.

Willis was preceded in death by parents: Neal and Grace De Geus; his parents-in-law: Gradus and Fannetta Ver Ploeg; and his step-father-in-law, Ernest De Cook.

For those desiring, memorials may be designated for the Otley Reformed Church at Otley, IA.

The Pella Chronicle, April 27, 2007