VanderWilt, Gerrit M. 1931-2007

VANDERWILT, VANOORT, JOUWSTRA, NOTEBOOM

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 1/21/2012 at 20:10:05

GERRIT M. VANDER WILT
BORN; March 20, 1931, Middleburg, Iowa
PASSED AWAY; October 16, 2007, Orange City, Iowa
MEMORIAL SERVICE; October 20, 2007, First Reformed Church, Sheldon, Iowa
Gerrit "Gary" Marvin Van Der Wilt, the son of Frank and Eva (Van Oort) Van Der Wilt, was born March 20,1931 on the family farm near Middleburg. He attended a country school near Middleburg and two years at Hull Community School in Hull, IA and received his GED while he was in the service. Gary served as a surveyor in the United States Army during the
Korean Conflict. After his discharge, he returned home and farmed with his dad. Gary was united in marriage to Eunice Jouwstra on June 14,1957 in Rock Valley, IA. The couple farmed and made their home on the Van Der Wilt Family Farm near Middleburg, which became a Century Farm in 1989. Eunice preceded him in death on April 18,1990. Gary then married Muriel (Noteboom) Blankers on February 5,1991 in Orange City, IA and moved to Muriel's farm home near Matlock, IA. Gary continued to farm with his son, Frank on the family farm. Gary passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at the Orange City Area Heath System in Orange City, IA, reaching the age of 76 years, 6 months and 26 days.
He was a past member of the Free Grace Reformed Church in Middleburg and a current member of the First Reformed Church in Sheldon. He participated in both churches in many capacities, including serving as a deacon and elder. Youth Group sponsors and teaching Sunday School and
Catechism. He enjoyed serving as a Words of Hope board member and supporting other missions. He was a member of the Sheldon American Legion Post #145 and Boyden American Legion William Monster Post # 272. Gary enjoyed the friendships he developed through farming and raising cattle and he was a life long fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. His grandchildren were especially dear to his heart.
Gary leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Muriel of Sheldon, IA; and her parents, Hubert and Bernice Noteboom of Orange City, lA; three daughters and their spouses, Loretta "Lori" and Harvard Punt of Hull, IA; Evonne and Gary Blankers of Portage, MI; Sharla and Jim Clemens of Orange City, IA; a son. Franklin and his wife, Beth (Van Meeteren) Van Der Wilt of Orange City, IA; three step-children and their spouses, Sherri and Dan Kadlec of Bloomington, MN; Bruce and Judi Blankers of Sheldon, IA ; Kari and Ryan Van Donge of Sioux Falls, SD; twenty grandchildren, Heidi Punt and her fiancee, Dan Oolman; Nathan and Kristi Punt; Andrea, Mark and Emily Blankers; Rachel and Ben Cuthbert, Paul, Daniel and Anna Clemens; Garret, Jacob,
Brett and Jenna Van Der Wilt; David and Joshua Kadlec; Kyle, Jason and Sarah Blankers; Carter
and Mya Van Donge; one great-granddaughter, Haylee Punt; three sisters. Arm Boote of Orange
City, IA; Marvella and her husband, Jim Van Klompenburg of Sioux City, IA; Hermina and her
husband. Bob LaPoint of Ft. Collins, CO. Other survivors include Eunice's and Muriel's
siblings; along with nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Eunice; and infant son, Gaylin Merle; his parents and a brother-in-law, Bill Boote.
Source: Funeral Home obit.