VanderArk, Norman 1910-1988

VANDERARK, BALK

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 7/24/2013 at 15:10:37

Source: Sioux County Index Hull, Iowa (8-31-1988)

Norman B. Vander Ark, age 77, of Hull, passed away last Thursday at his residence in Hull.

Norman Bouma Vander Ark was born September 13, 1910, at Manhattan, Montana, the son of Albert Henry Vander Ark and Agnes Bouma Vander Ark. He was raised in Manhattan, but graduated from Western Christian High School in Hull. He also graduated from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

He taught in various schools until 1952, when he became principal of the Hull Christian Elementary School. In 1963, he transferred to Western Christian High School, where he served as Bible teacher and guidance counselor. He semi-retired in 1972, when he assumed operation of Western’s bookstore and was registrar, retiring in 1983.

On June 11, 1935, he married Evelyn Jean Balk at Manhattan.

He was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church of Hull, where he served many years on the consistory as an elder. In addition, he was involved in several church and community activities, including being a Bible study leader and being a Hull city councilman.

Survivors include his wife; daughter, Celia Vande Creek, of Columbus, Ohio; two sons, Nolan, of Denver, Colorado; and Glenn, of Lafayette, Indiana; eight grandchildren; and five brothers and sisters, Gertrude, John, Mark, and Nelle Vander Ark, all of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Evelyn Kimm, of Manhattan.

He was proceeded in death by his daughter, Ardyce, Faye, at the age of 2 ½; grandson, Rourke Vande Creek; brother, Henry; and sister, Rose Danhof.

Funeral services were held Monday, August 29, at the First Reformed Church of Hull. The Rev. William Renkema, the Rev. Henry J. Vermeer, and Mr. John Vander Ark officiated. Interment followed at Hope Cemetery in Hull, under the direction of the Kraai-Oolman Funeral Home of Hull.