Arvin Bandstra, 86, of Pella, passed away June 1, 2025. Funeral services were at 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 10, at Second Reformed Church, Pella. Memorials have been designated for Second Reformed Church of Pella, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation of Des Moines, and Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Pella.
Arvin Richard Bandstra, the eldest of seven children, was born Nov. 28, 1938, to Dick and Gerdena (Van Ryswyk) Bandstra. He was raised in the rural Taintor and Searsboro areas, later graduating from New Sharon High School and Central College.
June 23, 1961, Arvin married Evelyn Hol, and shortly after, they moved to Minnesota where Arvin began his long career as an educator. They were blessed with two sons Rich and Russ. Arvin and Evelyn found joy in their grandchildren, camping trips, playing cards, gardening, music, and being active members of their church.
Their marriage was not without hardship. In 1983, Evelyn was diagnosed with breast cancer, and Arvin diligently cared for her through her nine-year battle. In 1989, they lost their eldest son Rich in a tragic car accident. Evelyn passed away just three years later in 1992.
Arvin was united in marriage to Connie Garbison on July 17, 1993. Their 31 years together were filled with a shared passion for family, travel, and nature. Together they enjoyed many camping trips with grandchildren, long bike rides, tending to their large backyard garden, and planting and tending to 40 acres of trees on the land they owned outside of Taintor.
The majority of Arvin’s teaching career was in Pella where he taught science and biology. In the summers, he worked for Pella Nursery, planting strawberries and laying sod. During a hiatus from teaching, he transitioned to a full-time position at the nursery and then built tree spades at Vermeer, later returning to teaching. Upon his return, he also coached baseball, basketball, and girls track, and was proud to be the inaugural coach of both Pella’s boys and girls cross-country teams. His passion for teaching and mentorship left a lasting impact on many students.
After retiring, Arvin embraced the joys of travel and nature. He and Connie explored Alaska and many of the country’s national parks. A lover of the outdoors, he was an avid gardener. He had a deep appreciation for photography and enjoyed going on garden tours. Arvin also found joy in pheasant hunting with his family and dog, beekeeping, woodworking, cooking, baking homemade bread, and making maple syrup from his own trees.
Arvin was a devoted member of his church community, serving in various roles over the years including on the consistory and in the choir, most recently as a member of Second Reformed Church. A man of many talents and a heart for volunteering, he spent time building with Habitat for Humanity and giving windmill tours for the Pella Historical Society.
More than anything, Arvin cherished time with his family, especially following his grandchildren’s activities and accomplishments.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 31 years, Connie, and by: Russ (Lori) Bandstra, Deanna Garbison, and Deb Garbison and Erin Callahan; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his siblings Carrol (Carolyn) Bandstra, Betty Maasdam, Shirley (Mike) Vore, and Alice Bandstra; and many nieces and nephews.
Arvin was preceded in death by his first wife Evelyn; his son Richard Bandstra; his parents; his sisters Marcia Bandstra and Judith Van Dusseldorp; and his brothers-in-law Lawrence Van Dusseldorp and Ivan Maasdam.
Arvin’s life was marked by kindness, a touch of Bandstra orneriness, curiosity, and a deep love for the world around him. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
