Funeral service for Arvin Van Wyk, 86, of Pella, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, at Sully Christian Reformed Church. For those desiring, memorial contributions are suggested for the Hospice of Pella Comfort House.
Cornelius Arvin Van Wyk was born Jan. 25, 1935, near Sully. He was the fifth of 11 children born to Cornelius and Artie (Van Maanen) Van Wyk. Arvin, as he was known, attended the Dairy Grove Country School. With the passing of his father at an early age, Arvin worked on the farm. He then began working at the Sully Co-op Creamery until he was drafted into the United States Army. June 15, 1956, he was united in marriage with Anna Mae Hartgers at Sully First Reformed Church. To this union, three children were born: Steven Craig, Jana Lynn, and Sharla Mae. After serving his country, Arvin returned to Sully and continued at the creamery until he became a hired hand for Harold Van Wyk from 1960-1966. Later that year, he began farming independently for 13 years north of Sully. In 1978, they purchased land in the Sandridge area north of Pella where he continued to farm until 2020. Arvin fell and broke an ankle which required nursing care. He became a resident of Oskaloosa Care Center. His health further declined until Arvin went to be with his Savior Dec. 10, 2021, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House. Arvin was surrounded by his family and lived to the age of 86 years.
Arvin is survived by his dear wife Anna Mae and three children and their families: Steve (Janis) Van Wyk of Pella, Jana (Mike) Proffitt of Knoxville, and Sharla (Ivan) Van Kooten of Leighton.
Arvin dearly loved his sisters. He leaves his sisters and brothers-in-law: Joyce (Carl) De Goey of Newton, Darlene (Harris) Vos of Sully, Helen (Verlan) Brand of Grinnell, Carolyn Vande Voort of Sully, Judy (Ed) Van Kooten of Sully; and the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Eldred Van Gorp of Newton, Barb Hartgers of Newton, Marlene Hartgers of Pella, and Vernon and Marge Hartgers of Sully.
Arvin was preceded in death by his parents; a great grandchild Tegan Theune; his siblings Harvey Gene who died in infancy, Gertrude and her husband Raymond Wehrle, Grace Van Gorp, June and her husband Ron Kramer, Walter Van Wyk and his wife Harriet Ann, and brother-in-law Larry Vande Voort.
Arvin made profession of his faith at Sully Christian Reformed Church and was a lifelong member. He was active as a Lake Prairie Township Trustee for 35 years and served as a board member for the Pella Cooperative. Arvin loved tractor rides, several annual family vacations to the Ozarks, and Christmas vacations to the Amana Colonies with the entire family. He really enjoyed having fun and playing cards with his friends. His family and grandkids brought so much joy and love to his life. Arvin will be remembered as a kind man and sorely missed by his family.
