Funeral services for Anna Paulena "A.P." Van Wyk, 91, of Pella and formerly of Sully, were held Monday, July 13, 2015, at Sully Christian Reformed Church. She was surrounded by her family when she passed from this life on Thursday, July 9.
She was born Oct. 14, 1923, at her home north of Sully, to Arie and Martha (Boomsma) Van Zante. Anna Paulena attended Highland School Richland #4 and completed eighth grade.
She was baptized and made profession of faith in the Sully Christian Reformed Church, where she attended her entire life. She was a dedicated woman of faith and "prayer warrior." She was active in many church organizations includ-ing Sully Christian School Circle, Ruth Circle, and JOY Society.
Anna Paulena met Lester Van Wyk at the church picnic July 4, 1940. They married in her parents' home north of Sully on Feb. 17, 1944. To this union five children were born. Following their marriage, they lived southwest of Sully for six years and then moved north of Lynnville in 1950. They farmed there for 31 years until moving to Sully in 1981. In March 2014, she moved to Vriendschap Village in Pella. Anna Paulena's life was centered on being a devoted wife and mother who cherished her family. She enjoyed attending many of her family's musical and sporting events throughout the years. She loved having family dinners on Sunday, attending sewing days at church, and playing cards with her friends. Anna Paulena was a servant-hearted woman and took great joy in serving others. She was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Anna Paulena will be fondly remembered by her four children: Wesley (Sheryl) Van Wyk of Sully, Darwin (Teresa) Van Wyk of Grinnell, Marlis (Rick) Backus of Newton, and Marlene (Mike) Van Soelen of Sully; her daughter-in-law Sharon (Larry) Van Wyk of Grinnell; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and two step- great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Sarah Jonella Van Wyk; and sisters-in-law Harriet Van Zante, Lois Van Zante, and Hattie Van Wyk.
In addition to her husband, Anna Paulena was preceded in death by her parents, son Eldon, daughter-in-law Carol, and brothers Delmon, Wilbur, and Bernard Van Zante, and Andrew Van Zante in infancy.
