Vander Wilt, Raymond P.

VANDER WILT, KLYN, MATHEWS

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/21/2005 at 17:46:50

Funeral services for Raymond P. Vander Wilt, 87, of Pella were held October 10, at the Second Reformed Church in Pella, the Rev. Steve Mathonnet - Vander Well, officiated. Special music was sung by the congregation and provided by Mr. Peter Meerworth.

A private committal service was at the Oakwood Cemetery in Pella. Casket bearers were "His Grandsons and Grandsons-in-law". Honorary casket bearers were "His Granddaughters".

Raymond Paul Vander Wilt was born on October 12, 1914 near Pella, Iowa. He was the fourth of ten children that were born to Gerrit G. and Dena M. (Klyn) Vander Wilt. Ray attended Lincoln Elementary School and completed his education by graduating from the Pella High School with the class of 1932. He enjoyed sports and playing football. His family remembers him as a member of the North End Bell Ringers. As a young man Ray helped his father on the farm working a horse team and continued to do so until a few years after his marriage.

On August 22.,1934 he was united in marriage with Ruby Maxine Mathews in Pella, and they had three children: Dolores Faye, Karen Elaine and Donald Woody.

Ray worked at the Diamond Coal Company until 1944 when he established the Vander Wilt Dairy Company which he operated until 1956. Ray together with his partner, Andrew Hoeksema built homes in and around Pella for over 20 years.

During all of these years Ray loved to farm, the week of October 1 he harvested this summer's crop of beans. Ray and Ruby enjoyed their travels together during their 54 years of marriage.

Ruby was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away on July 20, 1989. Ray continued his journey in life supported by his many friends and loving family. He enjoyed coffee time with his friends downtown and enjoyed several years of service on the Park Bench Board.

On Saturday, October 5, 2002, Ray suffered a massive brain aneurysm and was transported to the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, where he later passed away on Monday, October 7, 2002, just 5 days prior to his 88th birthday.

Ray was a lifetime member of the Second Reformed Church. He enjoyed building windchimes, working in his garden, and made a vast supply of jam of various sorts. Ray loved the color red and thought that everything important should be that color. His Allis-Chalmers antique tractors were of special interest and tireless work, but his dog and companion Buffy occupied several hours of attention and devotion and had first dibs on Grandpa Ray's chocolate stars. Ray will be remembered by his family as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many.

He is survived by his three children and their spouses: Dolores and Dwight Young, Karen and Keith Blom, and Donald and Doris (Smith) Vander Wilt, all of Pella; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Of his original family he leaves: one sister, Eva Mae and her husband Clark Vande Pol of Blakesburg; and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Wilma Neely of Pleasantville.

He was preceded in death by: his dear wife, Ruby; his parents; his five brothers: Clarence, Andrew, Lewis, Marion and Lester Vander Wilt, and his three sisters: Jeanette Groenendyk, Dorothy Vander Wilt and Wilma Vander Meer.

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

Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Pella Comfort House.

The Pella Chronicle, October 17, 2002