Eugene Leroy De Jong was born Nov. 6, 1938. He was born at the farm home of his parents, Gerrit Marinus and Frances (Blom) De Jong known by the family as “the hills” west of Peoria in Mahaska County. At the time of his birth, Eugene encountered serious medical complications, which seriously impacted his early childhood growth and development, first his inability to crawl. As he continued to grow, there were no supportive facilities readily available at the time to assist his parents, his two older siblings Iris and Kenneth, and his younger siblings Norman, Verna, and Gaylord, so they together lovingly assumed the responsibility.
Eugene received his formal education at Peoria Christian School. He continued to live a productive and somewhat independent life with very few physical limitations. For several years, he helped his father and brothers Kenneth and Norman on the farm until his parents moved into Pella in 1974. His first job in Pella was working at Ulrich's Meat Market. Later, he helped with Midwest Sanitation until retiring. During his retirement, he could be seen walking and sightseeing around Pella and visiting McDonald’s. Even during colder temperatures, you would find him taking that daily stroll to see what was happening in town. Eugene was always interested in the weather and could give you the latest forecast. Eugene was faithful in attending the summer music concerts in Central Park where he always enjoyed visiting with his fellow friends.
Eugene was baptized and made profession of faith at Peoria Christian Reformed Church where his faith was nurtured and grew his entire lifetime. He was presently residing at Fair Haven East in Pella and passed away Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, at Pella Regional Health Center 10 days following his 84th birthday.
Eugene is survived by three brothers Kenneth John (Arene) De Jong of Pella, Norman Jay (Helen) De Jong of Pella, and Gaylord (Twila) De Jong of New Sharon; one sister Verna Faye (John) Vander Kooi of Akron OH; and 16 nephews and nieces.
Uncle Eugene always enjoyed spending time with his nephews and nieces and great- nephews and great- nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his father Gerrit in 1997 and his mother Frances in 2000; his brother-in-law Gilbert P. Vander Wal in 2012; and his sister Iris J. Vander Wal in 2019.
“The family thanks all those who have been a loyal friend to Eugene during his lifetime. He was blessed to have you care for him. Thank You!”
Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, at Peoria Christian Reformed Church. Interment was in Peoria Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be designated for Peoria Christian School.
