Van Roekel,Richard Henry 1912-2003

VANROEKEL, VANDEVLEKERT, VANOMMEN

Posted By: Mary Lou Verburg Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/30/2014 at 16:54:14

Born: March 17, 1912 Prairie View, Kansas
Died: October 27, 2003 Oskaloosa, Iowa

Richard Henry Van Roekel, 91, of Oskaloosa, died Monday, October 27, 2003, at Pleasant Park Estates in Oskaloosa. He was born March 17, 1912 at Prairie View, Kansas, the son of A.T. (Tone) and Gertrude Vander Vlekert Van Roekel. In 1914, he moved to Iowa with his family, and they settled on a farm near Wright in Mahaska County. On August 12, 1938, he was united in marriage to Bernice E. Van Ommen at the bride's home near Oskaloosa. Together, they farmed in Mahaska County for many years; northeast of Oskaloosa from 1958 until 1994. Early in his adult life, he also drove a school bus for the Lacey school. While farming, he worked for Wake Feed, Oskaloosa Produce, and Bloom Builders for many years. In their retirement years, they enjoyed traveling by car to many parts of the United States. Richard was a life long member of the Central Reformed Church, Oskaloosa.

Richard is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Bernice of Oskaloosa; 3 sons and their wives: Elmer Van Roekel of West Des Moines, Gerald and Janice Van Roekel of Sioux Center, and Leroy and Melanie Van Roekel of Wilton; 2 daughters and their husbands: Donna and Howard DeGroot of Oskaloosa and Carol and Glen DeZwarte of Newton; 13 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and a sister in law: Artie Van Roekel of Oskaloosa; and sisters in law: Dorothy Uitermarkt and Wilma (& Henry) Van Roekel, all of Pella; and Jeanette Ver Steegh of Oskaloosa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son: Marvin Wayne Van Roekel; 3 sisters: Stevanna Van De Wege, Anna Den Hartog, and Harriet Van Ommen; and 2 brothers: Louis and Otto Van Roekel.

Source: Local paper after 10/27/2003