Funeral services for Gerald Van Hemert, 89, of Sully were held Monday, Oct. 3, 2016, at Sully First Reformed Church. He passed away Sept. 29 at Pella Regional Health Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated for Sully First Reformed Church special projects.
Gerald Allen Van Hemert was born Feb. 19, 1927, to Cornelius and Johanna (Vander Pol) Van Hemert, in rural Marion County.
Gerald graduated eighth grade from Chester School. After his education, he began farming with his family. In 1948, Gerald met Elizabeth Harsselaar and the two were married Feb. 21, 1950. To this union two children were born. Gerald began working as a milk truck driver, and he later worked at Vermeer where he assembled balers. He retired from Vermeer in May 1996.
Gerald was an avid camper and fisherman. He loved to spend time with family and friends and never missed a family party.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 66 years, Liz of Sully; his son Randy Van Hemert of San Antonio, TX; his daughter Rosie (Keith) De Bruin of Pella; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grand-children; and one great-great-
grandchild. He is also survived by his brother Wayne (Lou) Van Hemert of Springfield, IL; and many nieces and nephews.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and several in-laws.
