Van Gelder, Dick Edwin 1924-2021

VANGELDER, FEENSTRA, DEGROOT, VANDERVEGTE, BRUMMELS

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/29/2021 at 13:30:30

Dick Edwin Van Gelder was born October 23, 1924 in Ocheyedan, Iowa the son of Ed Van Gelder and Jennie (Feenstra) Van Gelder. He grew up in various locations in northwest Iowa. Dick was a veteran of the United States Army and served in occupational Japan toward the end of World War II. When he returned home from his military service, he married Clarena DeGroot, and from that union three of his six children were born (Darwin, Rodney and Jean). After Jean's birth, Clarena succumbed to kidney disease, leaving Dick a widower. In 1952, Dick married again to Antoinette (Net) Vander Vegte of Orange City, Iowa. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Darien and then Delavan, Wisconsin, where they rented dairy farms. In 1960, they purchased a dairy farm near Baldwin, Wisconsin and lived there until 1975, when Dick grew weary of the dairyman's life. During the Wisconsin years, three more sons were born to Dick and Antoinette (Terry, Paul and Chuck). They then purchased a farm near Lenox, Iowa. During the 1980's, in addition to crop farming and raising cattle and sheep, he had a grain bin and building business with his youngest sons, Paul and Chuck.

Dick enjoyed collecting and restoring Model A cars and Model T cars along with farm equipment. He enjoyed his trips to Texas with Antoinette, family reunions and most recently his karaoke machine!

Dick is survived by his children: Dar and Lanor Van Gelder of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Rodney Van Gelder of Holland, Michigan; Jean and Wayne Tjarks of Zeeland, Michigan; Terry Van Gelder of Escondido, California; Paul and Leesa Van Gelder of Lenox, Iowa; and Chuck and Rachelle Van Gelder of Lenox, Iowa. He has 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Dick is also survived by his siblings, Joyce (Van Gelder TeBrink) Hulst; Kathy (Van Gelder) Van Wyhe, and John and Thelma Van Gelder.

Preceding Dick are his parents, Ed and Jennie Van Gelder; his first wife, Clarena Van Gelder; his second wife, Antoinette Van Gelder; his daughter-in-law, Ginger (Brummels) Van Gelder (Rodney). His siblings, James Van Gelder, Wilbur Van Gelder and Irene Schiebout.

Dick will be missed by his entire family.
The memories they shared throughout the years
will remain in our hearts forever.
May he be at peace in God's loving care.

Source: Ritchie Funeral Home online obituary.