Gaalswyk, Alvin - 1924-1999

GAALSWYK, VONK

Posted By: Linda Vander Linden - Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/16/2010 at 13:27:01

Alvin Gaalswyk, age 75, of Rock Valley, died Tuesday, June 15, 1999 at his home due to a long illness of cancer. Funeral services was 10:30 A.M., Saturday at the First Reformed Church at Rock Valley. Burial was at the Valley View Cemetery at Rock Valley. Rev. Dr. Michael Van Hamersveld officiated. Visitation was Friday with the family present 7:00 P.M., to 8:30 P.M., at Porter Funeral Home at Rock Valley.

Alvin was born June 7, 1924 near Rock Valley, son of Arie and Bertha (Verdoorn) Gaalswyk. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII from June 1, 1944 to March 4, 1946 including the Battle of the Bulge where he was injured and earned the Purple Heart. Alvin married Janet Vonk on December 10, 1947 at Rock Valley. Together they farmed east of Rock Valley until retirement in 1989 when they moved into Rock Valley. Alvin was a lifelong member of the First Reformed Church were he served as Deacon and Elder for many years; and he was a member of Rock Valley's VFW and American Legion.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Janet; two sons and their wives, Dennis and Karen Gaalswyk of Woodbury, MN.; Marlo and Debbie Gaalswyk of Altoona, IA; two daughters and their husbands, Barb and Bruce Held of Hinton, IA; Joyce and Brad Braunagel of Valley City, ND; two sisters, Mary Huyser of Inwood, IA; Elsie and her husband Elmer Kooima of Rock Valley, IA; eleven grandchildren; one great-grandson. Alvin was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Sharon; two brothers, Tom and Joe Gaalswyk.

The family wishes memorials be directed to the Rock Valley VFW or the First Reformed Church Fellowship Hall Fund.

Rock Valley Bee, June 23, 1999