Van Der Veer, Mabel B. (Brack)

VAN DER VEER, BROUWER, BRACK

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/18/2005 at 20:59:21

Funeral services for Mabel B. Van Der Veer, 90, of Pella were held January 9 at the First Baptist Church in Pella, the Rev. John M. McNabb officiated. Music was provided by pianist Judy Steenhoek and soloist Whitney Marsh-Narigon.

Interment was at the Oakwood Cemetery in Pella. Casket bearers were Butch Van Der Veer, Tom Van Der Veer, Rob Marsh, Joe Van Der Veer, Jeff Van Der Veer, Wayne Van Der Veer, Jimmy Van Der Veer and Jarod Plants.

Mabel Bessie Brack, the youngest of eleven children that were born to Willem and Gertrude Peternella Brouwer Brack, was born on December 14, 1912 near Leighton. She attended the Pella Community Schools in Pella where she graduated from the 8th grade.

On August 2, 1930 she was united in marriage with Clarence Harold Van Der Veer at Oskaloosa, and to this union five children were born: Kenneth Lee on March 22, 1931, Mildred Maxine on April 14, 1932, Harry Laverne on December 19, 1935, Carl Wayne on October 28, 1940 and Robert Glen on April 1, 1942. Mabel and Clarence moved to 1110 Washington Street in Pella in 1940.

Clarence then began working at the Rolscreen Company where he was employed for 29 years. Mabel was employed at Frundt Seed Corn Company, the Pella Canning Factory and then did babysitting. Her last gainful employment was as a cook at the Central Park Cafe.

Clarence and Mabel always did things together. They took many bus trips following their retirement and enjoyed attending Little League baseball games. Then on February 21, 1985 Clarence passed away unexpectedly at the age of 78 years. Following his death, Mabel continued living in their residence, which she enjoyed until becoming a resident at Hilltop Manor South in August of 2002.

On December 11, 2002 she was transferred to the West Ridge Nursing and Rehab Center in Knoxville, where she observed her 90th birthday three days later. Mabel passed away there on Monday afternoon, January 6.

Mabel was a member of the First Baptist Church in Pella where she served as a Sunday School teacher and on the Diaconate. She was active with the Golden Agers and was a member of the "Elderberry" (kitchen band).

She is survived by her children and their spouses: Phyllis Lanphier (Kenneth L.) Van Der Veer of Oskaloosa; Mildred M. and Robert Marsh of Villisca, Ia.; Harry L. (Julie DesCamp) Van Der Veer of Knoxville; Carl W. and Karen (Musgrove) Van Der Veer of Pella; and Robert G. Van Der Veer of Newton; 15 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Mabel was the last surviving member of her original family but leaves a sister-in-law, Alice (Sylvester) Van Der Veer of Depoe Bay, Oregon; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lawrence and Velma Van Der Veer of Des Moines, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence; her son, Kenneth L. Van Der Veer, who passed away just fourteen days earlier on December 23, 2002 at the age of 71 years; and a daughter-in-law, Julie (Harry) Van Der Veer, who passed away March 10, 2000 at the age of 62 years; her parents: Willem and Nellie Brack and all of her siblings. They were her five sisters and five brothers: Maggie Brack, Tice Brack, Kate Van Ee, Boyd Brack, John Brack, Weep Brack, Grace Voyce, Art Brack, Nellie Woods and Heleta Bierman.

Arrangements were handled by Van Dyk-Duven Funeral Home in Pella.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in Pella.

The Pella Chronicle, January 21, 2003