Funeral services for Leona B. Van Wyk, 86, of New Sharon were held Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, at Peoria Christian Reformed Church. She went to her heavenly home on Tuesday evening, Feb. 24, at the Oskaloosa Serenity House. Interment was in the Peoria Cemetery. Memorials have been designated for Oskaloosa Serenity House and Words of Hope.
Leona Belle Van Wyk was born Aug. 25, 1928, to Gysbert and Jacoba (Stursma) Swank in Mahaska County.
On March 8, 1949, Leona was united in marriage with Lester J. Van Wyk in Peoria. They were blessed with four sons. Leona enjoyed caring for her family and helping Lester on the farm. She was a member of the Peoria Christian Reformed Church, 50+ Club, and The Vantastics.
Leona loved to cook, working in her garden, quilting, scrapbooking, and spending time with her family. She was known for her great sense of humor and making everyone feel special.
Those left to cherish her memory are her three sons and their wives, Marvin (Cynde) Van Wyk of California, Verlan (Ronda) Van Wyk of New Sharon, and Douglas (Cindy) Van Wyk of Pella; four grandchildren: Jeff Van Wyk, Jennifer Chance, Crystal White, and Courtney Schock; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters: Tressa Deur of Pella, Flora Kooistra of Pella, JoAnn (Leo) Nikkel of Pella, and Millie Lanser of Michigan; and brothers, Ron (Nancy) Swank of Sully and Art (Virginia) Swank of Kansas.
Leona was preceded in death by her husband Lester on Apr. 16, 2005; her infant son Edward; and her sister and brother-in-law, Harriet and Jim Jonker.
