Van Roekel, George 1925-2014

VANROEKEL, PALS, JOHNSON

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/17/2014 at 19:21:14

George Van Roekel, 89, of Cherokee, IA, formerly of Orange City, died Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Cherokee Regional Medical Center in Cherokee.

A prayer service for family and friends will be held on Monday at 10:15AM at the First Reformed Church of Orange City. Interment will follow the prayer service in Westlawn Cemetery of Orange City.

A memorial service will be held on Monday at 11:00AM at the First Reformed Church Chapel with Rev. Mark Haverdink officiating.

George Edward Van Roekel was born on June 28, 1925 near Orange City, Iowa, the son of Otto and Grace (Pals) Van Roekel. George was raised on the family farm. After graduating from high school, George enlisted in the US Navy. George served stateside during World War II from July 1, 1943 to May 27, 1946.

He attended the University of Iowa where he received a business degree and law degree. George was employed for three years for a Chicago CPA firm before accepting a position with the Chief Council for the Internal Revenue Service Minneapolis office. George was an attorney for the IRS for four years. While living in Minneapolis George married Elizabeth Johnson. The couple were blessed with a son, John; they were later divorced.

During his mid-20’s, George was diagnosed with having Schizophrenia. Many years of his adult life, he lived in various institutions. The past 32 years, he was a resident of Cherokee Villa Care Center in Cherokee, Iowa.

George is survived by two brothers and sisters-in-law: Rodney and Eleanor Van Roekel of Orange City and Dr. Glenn and Audrey Van Roekel of Coralville, IA; a sister, Gladys Mitchell of Edina, MN; sister and brother-in-law, Marla and Joe Mooibroek of Mc Kinney, TX and sister-in-law, Rosalie Van Roekel of Aledo, IL along with several nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Otto Van Roekel; infant brother, Wilbur James Van Roekel and brother-in-law, J. Gordon Mitchell.

Source: Memorial Funeral Home online obituary.
Source: Doon Press, July 27, 2014