Delmer Lewis “Del” Van Kooten was born Mar. 12, 1933, in rural Sully to Cornelius and Jennie (Dieleman) Van Kooten. He was the sixth of 10 children and born just minutes after his twin brother Dan. Del passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House on Jan. 3, 2022, at the age of 88 years. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8, at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, Pella.
Del grew up on the farm and attended Sully Christian School, where he enjoyed math and was known as a fast runner. Although he later earned his GED, Delmer went to work after eighth grade, working for local farmers including Gip Bandstra. In 1953, Del entered the Army and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, eventually serving in Korea at the end of the Korean Conflict. In May 1955, he was honorably discharged.
He returned to Sully, working as a carpenter for Vande Krol Supply for four years. During this time on June 20, 1957, he married Wilma Pauline “Wimp” Jansen, whom he had met at Sully Christian Reformed Church. They were encouraged to date by Wimp’s brother, Charlie Jansen, and Del’s sister, Cornelia Van Kooten, who were married to each other. To Del and Wimp’s union, four children were born: Cindy Lou, Daniel Gene, Myrna Kae, and Karna Lea.
Del worked faithfully and well for the Sully Co-op for nearly 40 years, driving a feed truck around central Iowa in support of local farmers. He retired in 1998. After retirement, Del and Wimp moved to Pella where Del served Pella Community School driving for the school lunch program, a role that gave him much joy.
Del was a loving encourager to his family and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He supported his local family as well as those in Indiana, Michigan, and Arizona, attending baptisms and professions of faith, as well as musical events and sporting activities, even at the collegiate level. He took joy in attending the baptism of his first great-grandson in Pella in November and delighted to hear about the birth of his first great-granddaughter in Michigan in December.
Del loved music and it was at the heart of his relationship with Wimp as they listened to music together before they were married. They instilled that love of music in each of their children. Del and Wimp frequently sang together, with Wimp at the piano.
Del had a heart to serve and did so faithfully and well. He served as an elder, deacon, and Sully Christian School Board Member. He was also a loyal member of American Legion Post 89 in Pella. Del made profession of faith at Sully Christian Reformed Church on May 27, 1956. He became a member of Calvary Christian Reformed Church in Pella in September 2005. He enjoyed attending his small group Bible study as well as serving as an elder.
Del had a steadfast faith that he developed through regular prayer and Bible study, offering a beautiful example of reliance on God through his entire life.
He will be remembered lovingly by his wife of 64 years Wilma; their four children and their families. Cindy (Phil) Boender of Mason City, Dan (Andrea) Van Kooten of Pella, Myrna (Greg) Haagsma of Gilbert, AZ, and Karna (Chris) Walter of Tucson, AZ.
Of his original family, he is survived by sisters: Cornelia (Charlie) Jansen, Delia De Jong, and Norma (Carroll) Harthoorn; brother Ed (Judy) Van Kooten; sister-in-law Lois Van Kooten Van Wyk. Of Wimp’s original family he leaves brothers- and sisters-in-law Guy (Janet) Jansen, Berdena Vos, Nelson Geels, Arlyn Jansen, and Melvin (Marilyn) Jansen.
Del was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Henry (Virginia) Van Kooten, Ida (Alberthus) Harsselaar, Johnnie De Jong, Daniel W. Van Kooten, Clarence Van Kooten, and Jean (Ken) Vos; and in-laws Dick Jansen, Edwin and Earl Jansen, Junior Vos, Doris Geels, and Edwin Jansen.
