Carl Steenhoek, 98, of Monroe, passed away into the arms of Jesus on July 10, 2025, at The Cottages in Pella, surrounded by his children and many of his family. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 21, at Monroe United Methodist Church with burial following at Silent City Cemetery. The family will greet friends 4-6 p.m., Sunday, July 20, at the church. Memorials may be directed to Monroe United Methodist Church.
Carl was born Jan. 11, 1927, to James and Gertie (Marks) Steenhoek in Marion County at the home of his grandparents where they resided. Carl was the youngest of five children.
Carl married Marie L. Brown on July 22, 1950, in Reasnor Methodist Church. To this union were born Sandra (late Larry) Hartman of Princeville, IL, Marvin (Kathy) Steenhoek of Pella, Joyce (Francis) Van Der Hart of Monroe, and Donald (LuAnne) Steenhoek of Reasnor.
Carl farmed in Jasper County near Reasnor for many years. He also was a school bus driver for Monroe Community School District for 30 years. Carl was a 65+ year member of Monroe United Methodist Church, participated in Methodist Men, served as president of the church trustees, and belonged to Forever Young group. Carl enjoyed attending events for his grandchildren, playing cards, watching sports, and coffee time. In his younger years, he spent time hunting and fishing.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Matthew Steenhoek, son-in-law Larry Hartman, brother Harvey (Florence) Steenhoek, sisters, Gladys (Neil) Woody and Helen (Robert) Marshall, brother-in-law Logan Ver Ploeg, and dear friend Beverly Rickabaugh.
He is survived by his sister Wilma Ver Ploeg, his four children, grandchildren Marie (Nate) Lindahl, David (Dawn) Hartman, Erin (Jason) Church, Kendra (Ian) Beckjorden, Lisa (Jessica) Hilton, Melissa Van Der Hart, Garrett (Paula) Van Der Hart, Kristina Van Der Hart, Kurt Steenhoek, and Joel (Alicia) Steenhoek. Also surviving are his great-grandchildren Rachel, Rebekah, Mikayla, Magdelina, William, Wesley, Russell, Brynlee, Addison, Hayden, Bailee, Bella, Breyten, Emma, Paul, Eli, Kynlee, Tucker, Kelsey, Abbi, Taryn, Kenny, and Vincent; and his great-great-grandsons Broderick, Alexander, Braxton, Briar, and another on the way. Carl also had many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his very special neighbors Joe and Rose Briggs who have provided him with so much care and support over the years.
The family appreciates the staff at The Cottages for their care during the last three months of his life.
