Lois Van Gorp, 87
Lois Joan (Van Genderen) Van Gorp, 87, of rural Reasnor, died Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at her home. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 13, at Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory, Newton. Memorials to the Cowboy Church may be left at the funeral home.
Lois, daughter of John and Elizabeth “Bertha” (Jansen) Van Genderen, was born May 3, 1936, in rural Sully. As a young girl, her family moved to rural Monroe and Lois would later graduate from Monroe High School. Jan. 25, 1957, Lois was united in marriage with Carroll Van Gorp at Sully First Reformed Church. They made their home north of Reasnor at the same location where they built their current home in 1977. Before her children were born, Lois worked at the Vernon Company in Newton.
Lois was a hard worker and dedicated farmer. She always wanted to be helpful and productive and baled hay and did chores up until the last few years. Lois faithfully made sure there was a meal on the table each night for everyone that was working in the fields. She loved children and was a grandma to all. She watched her grandchildren, the neighbors’ children, and any others who may have come through her door. Lois had a love of music that led her to enjoy attending the Cowboy Church in Newton.
Those left to honor Lois’ memory are her four children: Kathy (Curt) Nikkel of Monroe, Bryce (Carla) Van Gorp of Reasnor, Bonnie (Todd) Terpstra of Newton, and Barry Van Gorp of Reasnor; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; and eight stepgreat-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her siblings Lila De Kruyff of Otley and Ron Van Genderen of Monroe; brother-in-law Eldred Van Gorp of Newton; and several nieces and nephews.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents; husband Carroll in 2022; siblings Russell (Ruth) Van Genderen, Norma (Harris) Van Waardhuizen, and Genevieve (Wilson) Dop; and her siblings-in-law James De Kruyff and Lois Van Genderen.
The family would like to thank Alisa Schleier, Cecelia DiGregorio, Donna Blythe, Krista George, and St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Lois, along with her daughter-in-law Carla Van Gorp.
