Donald Lee Van Wyk

Donald Lee Van Wyk was born to Dick and Martha (DeKraai) Van Wyk on January 13, 1945, in rural Poweshiek County. He started kindergarten there, but later his family moved to a farm by Monroe. He finished kindergarten through fifth grade at Enterprise Country School. At age 15 he was involved in a farm accident which caused him to lose most of his index finger. During this time he came down with lockjaw but survived this very serious illness. He graduated from Monroe High School with the class of 1963.

On March 25, 1966, he married Lucille Olsthoorn at the Sully Christian Reformed Church. They made their home on her family’s farm and started farming while also working at Van Gorp Mfg. To this union four children were born: Pamela, Duane, Eric and Lucas. He raised his children on the farm teaching them the value of hard work and to hang in there during the tough times. He continued to farm and milk cows, even bringing Eric in to expand the business. When a tornado took down the milk barn in 1998, they discontinued milking, but Donald continued to crop farm. With his extra time, he worked at Sully Coop driving cement truck and later in the lumber yard. He also worked briefly at Pella Corp and Numark.

Donald was very generous with his time and talents, going on several mission trips helping others in need. Donald and Lucille spent many years on tractor rides seeing the sights of Iowa at a very slow speed. The grandkids had even started to join him on this activity. They also enjoyed traveling on several bus trips and camping at the state fair, making friends in each of these areas.

In 2015 they moved to Pella and began retirement. He continued to keep busy working at the Historical Village and volunteering at Bible for Missions Thrift Store picking up furniture. He was a member of the Calvary Christian Reformed Church and participated in many different mens Bible studies. He could also be found tinkering in his workshop doing woodworking projects. Christmas was an especially busy time for him making gifts for family members. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and willing to make or fix anything that you needed.

Donald leaves his wife, Lucille, four children and their spouses, 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Pamela & Jerry De Bruin, Joshua & Ashley De Bruin, Lucille, Rosalyn & Benjamin, Krista & Elijah Schaefer, Judah and baby due in June, Kara De Bruin, Duane & Sharlene Van Wyk, Shaela, Dallas, Eric & Cheryl Van Wyk, Jalen & Emily Van Wyk, Jenna Van Wyk & fiancé Darien Hillmann, Jacie Van Wyk, Lucas & Jenny Van Wyk, Danny, Elijah Van Wyk, Evan, Vivian Spence

Donald also leaves his brothers, Dick & Linda Van Wyk and Harold & Twyla Van Wyk, brothers-in-law: Gilbert Van Maanen, Jerald Kuiper & sisters-in-law: Lavonne Van Wyk, Marlena & Dave Eischweiler, along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dick & Martha Van Wyk, his mother and father-in-law Lambert & Arene Olsthoorn, Anna Olsthoorn, sisters: Jane Ann & Ralph Van Wyk, Ruby Van Wyk, Ada Kay Van Maanen, brother Bernard Van Wyk and sister-in-law Ceceila Kuiper.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, March 28, at Calvary Christian Reformed Church. Visitation will begin at 3:00 pm, Wednesday, March 27, with family present from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, at the Garden Chapel Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to Lake View Camp.