Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, Gary Van Vark, 83, passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House. Funeral service was held Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 10:30 a.m. at First Church in Pella.
Gary Lee Van Vark was born July 14, 1937, in rural Pella. He was the first of four sons born to Louis and Hattie (Vander Werff) Van Vark. Gary received a country school education at Silver Grove Country School, Richland, and Rose Hill, and graduated from Pella High School with the Class of 1956. During high school, Gary played the tuba with the high school band and was active with the Future Farmers of America.
His first employment was with Vanden Berg Electric in Pella. In 1959, Gary enlisted with the Air National Guard of Iowa and served until his discharge in 1965. Gary became the first facilities manager for the Pella Community Hospital and later served in the same capacity for Skiff Memorial Hospital in Newton. Gary became a co-owner with Jim Nelson of Wanders, Inc., worked with Pella Ideal Supply, and for Menninga Electric in Pella until his retirement in 2002.
Gary enjoyed spending time with his father, Louis, and brothers, Stan and Roland, restoring steam engines and participating in Red Rock Threshers. He often indicated he retired too early, however, found enjoyment in pursuing his hobbies, his pickups and cars. He and his friend Darrell Boot restored many tractors and pickups and received many awards.
Gary was also an active volunteer in the Pella community. He served as a reserve police officer, on the Tulip Time Steering Committee for the Pella Historical Society, was a miller and guide at the Vermeer Windmill, and served with the Pella Community Ambulance Service, both as a first-aid instructor and with the formation of the current service. Presently, Gary was a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Pella and a member of the Red Rock Threshers. Gary served as a faithful member of First Church, was a Cadet counselor for 10 years, and had a fond appreciation for the playing of the organ.
He leaves two brothers and their wives: Roland John (Ruby) Van Vark, Harlan Louis (Bobbie) Van Vark, all of Pella, a sister-in-law, Linda (Stanley Van Vark) and her husband, Ken Lindblom of Marshalltown; the following nephews and nieces: Brian Van Vark, Susan Vander Pol, Retta Kelley, Shaun Van Vark, Beth Schut, Ben Van Vark, Brady Van Vark; and many cousins. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Stanley Eugene Van Vark; and a nephew, Lowell Van Vark.
