VanGelder, Clara (Mrs. Wilbert) 1932-2019

VANGELDER, GOSLINGA

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:37

VanGelder, Clara Nov 24, 1932 – Nov 2, 2019

Tucson AZ Clara Joan Van Gelder, 87, Tucson, AZ passed into her eternal glory on Saturday Nov 2, 2019. Public viewing was Wednesday Nov 6, at Bring’s Broadway Chapel in Tuscon AZ,. Following a private burial, a Celebration of Life Service was held Thursday, Nov 7, at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Tucson AZ.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be directed to Sunshine Acres in Mesa AZ.

Clara Van Gelder was born on Nov. 24, 1932, in Sheldon IA to John and Silvia Goslinga.
She attended country school through the eighth grade. On Dec 26, 1951, she married Wilbert James Van Gelder. They moved to Pennsylvania while Wilbert finished Basic training for the US Army. Upon his return from Korea, they moved to Sheldon IA.

They began farming and lived first in rural Carnes, IA; then rural Hospers IA, and in 1977 they moved to Rock Rapids IA. They spent many winters in Mesa and Apache Junction AZ and finally moved to Tucson AZ in 2010.

As a young lady Clara helped out many new mothers with-in home care and over the years worked part time at J. C. Penny, Jay’s Motel and the Flower Village.

She was a lifelong member of the Reformed Church in America, but most recently attended Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Tucson. She enjoyed being a homemaker and taking care of her family loved Gospel music, never missed attending her children’s and her grandchildren’ school and church programs, and was a member of various groups, including church circle groups, Sages and the Red Hats.

Survivors include her husband of nearly 68 years, Wilbert; her children and spouses, Bob and Carol Van Gelder of Tucson AZ, Loren Van Gelder and Kathy Kramer of Grove OK, and Pam and Jon Kragt of La Vista NE, seven grandchildren, Six great grandchildren; two sisters, Sylvia Henning and Betty Roos, and many special nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Stewart, John, Jr. and Erwin Goslinga, and one sister Elizabeth.