Van Driel, Peter Jacob 1926-2018

VANDRIEL, DOCTOR, KOOIKER

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:36

Peter J. Van Driel, 91, of Rock Valley, Iowa died on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at Whispering Heights in Rock Valley. Memorial services will be held Monday, April 23 at 11:00 AM at First Reformed Church of Rock Valley with Rev. Verlyn Boone and Rev. Harlan De Jong officiating. Burial will be held prior to the service at 10:15 AM at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Visitation, with the family present, will be held Sunday, April 22 from 2:30-4:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley.

Peter Jacob Van Driel, the son of Abe and Gert (Doctor) Van Driel, was born November 29, 1926, near Orange City on the farmstead of his Grandpa and Grandma Doctor. He attended Rock Valley Christian School for eight years and graduated from Rock Valley Public High School. After graduation he worked for Hymans Construction of Hull, Iowa. On December 1, 1948 he married Gertrude Viola Kooiker. Three daughters were born to this union. Peter then worked for the Iowa State Highway Commission for 35 years. After retirement, he designed and lettered (free hand) signs locally and for towns around. He also restored some vehicles and as a hobby, collected toy trains and other toys. Peter traveled many miles in the United States and 7 countries overseas.

Peter was a member of the First Reformed Church of Rock Valley. He served as deacon, elder, superintendent of Sunday School, taught catechism and was a sponsor of young people. Peter enjoyed working outside in God’s country. He was a devoted hard worker and liked being a leader. Family and friends were very important to him and he loved to visit with them. He had a deep concern for the souls of his family. He loved to entertain the grandchildren with toys.

Those grateful for having shared his life include his wife, Viola; daughters, Gloria (Ben) Kollis of Inwood, Iowa, Lila Jansen of Rock Valley and Vera Kay (Gary) De Boer of Sioux Center, Iowa; 7 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren; sister, Ady Dykstra of Rock Valley; brother-in-law, Don Kooiker of Oskaloosa, Iowa; and several nephews, nieces and friends.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents, Abe & Gert Van Driel; son-in-law, Ron Jansen; great grandson, Tanner Reid Kollis; sister, Lillian Draayer; brothers-in-law, Ed Draayer, Dewey Dykstra, Ralph (Jeane) (Tressa) Kooiker, Gerrit (Alice) Kooiker, Al (Margaret) Kooiker, and Francis Kooiker.

Source: Porter Funeral Homes online obituary.