Dwight L. Van Roekel, 80, of Newton, passed away Monday evening, Aug. 19, 2019, at his home at Park Centre in Newton. A time of remembrance and celebration of life was at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, at the Pence~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery, rural Newton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to Pheasants Forever, to Dwight’s family, or to a charity of your choice.
Dwight Leonard Van Roekel, the son of Harry and Maggie (Gezel) Van Roekel, was born Jan. 27, 1939, in Monroe. He was a graduate of the Newton Senior High School Class of 1957.
July 3, 1959, Dwight was united in marriage with Kathy Snook in the Little Brown Church in Nashua. He had farmed all his life, was voted the Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year, and had devoted his life to his family. He enjoyed the outdoors: All wildlife, camping, and snowmobile and John Deere Gator trail riding.
Dwight was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Kathy on Nov. 7, 2009; a daughter Kristy Kay Mullinnix; a great-granddaughter Maggie Mullinnix; sisters: Laurie in infancy and Betty Van Wyk; and brothers: David Lee and Robert Harry in infancy and Floyd and Johnny Van Roekel.
Dwight is survived by his daughters and son-in-law: Laurie (Dan) Kubal of Newton and Tammy Van Roekel of Newton; his granddaughters: Nicole Kathleen Koehn, Lyndsi Kathleen Pratt, and Aubri Kathleen Mullinnix; his great-granddaughter Aaliyah Kathleen Koehn; his sister Veldine “Vee” Scott; his three brothers: Marvin, Paul, and Rae Van Roekel; and many good neighbors and friends.
