VanderMaten, Arnola Mrs. Willis 1932-2010

VANDERMATEN, RAAK

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/22/2010 at 05:57:45

Arnola Vander Maten
Jan. 19, 1932-—Feb. 25, 2010
Arnola Vander Maten, 78, Grand Island, FL, formerly of Sheldon and Fort Dodge, died
Thursday, Feb. 25, in Eustis, FL, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Services were Tuesday, March 2, 2010 in Grand Island, FL, and Sunday, March 7, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Fort Dodge.
Arnola Vander Maten, daughter of Jerry and Ruth Raak, was born Jan. 19, 1932, in Hospers. Following her graduation from high school, she moved to Sioux City, where she worked for several years at Duven’s Music Store.
Having dated a few times in high school, she reunited with Willis Vander Maten upon his return from military service. They married on Aug. 26, 1955, and moved to Sheldon. While there, they had two daughters. During this time, she worked for her father at Hospers ‘Telephone Co. until they moved to Fort Dodge. After moving, they had two sons.
She stayed busy raising her four children until returning to work. She was employed with the Fort Dodge School System for many years, primarily in the music department, until her retirement.
After retiring, she and her husband moved to Grand Island, FL, where she enjoyed the sun, friends and crafting, among other things. They were members of First United Methodist Church in Tavares, FL, at the time of her death. Aside from her tremendous sense of humor, she will be most remembered by friends and family for her great gift of music.
She started using her talents as young as 14 years old, when she began her "career" as church organist. She continued that role for nearly 50 years.
She was a member of the Fort Dodge Civic Glee Club for 14 years and a member of the Comedia Musical players on occasion. Prior to moving, she was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Fort Dodge, not only as organist, but also singing in the church choir and many other roles throughout her 40 years as a member.
She was a cheerleader for each of her children and grandchildren. Whether it was football, baseball, softball, motocross, horse shows, wrestling or musicals, she was there lending her support.
She was a face in the crowd at nearly every event they were involved in. Her family will be forever grateful to her for passing on her strong faith in God and her love for her family.
Survivors include her husband, Willis Vander Maten of Grand Island, FL; four children, Ruth and Mark Babbitt of Fort Dodge, Rachel and Russell Bell of Fort Dodge, Roger and Lori Vander Maten of Ford Dodge, and Ryan Vander Maten of Myrtle Beach, SC; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Donald and Gene Raak of Hospers; and a sister, LaVonne and Richard Landman of Hull.
Source: The Sheldon Mail-Sun of 3-10-2010