Harry Van Der Hart, 77, of Pella died Thursday, Sept. 8, 2016, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral service was Sept. 14 at Liberty Evangelical Free Church, Pella. Memorials have been designated for Bible Truth Publishers.
Harry Van Der Hart was born March 5, 1939, to William Henry and Jennie (Wielard) Van Der Hart at home on their family farm near Pella. Harry grew up in the Peoria area and attended country school through eighth grade. He farmed all his life, worked for Pella Corporation for 35 years, and also served our country in the Army. Harry faithfully attended church with those gathered in the Name of the Lord at 1812 Washington Street in Pella.
Harry met Sharolyn Shaffer at church, and they were married in January 1964 in Des Moines. To this union they were blessed with two children.
Harry’s passion in life was farming. He loved tractors, collecting tractors, and anything that was John Deere. He never knew a stranger and was quick to lend a hand to friends, neighbors, or anyone in need. Harry was a hard worker and good example of how to live life. He had a close bond with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved giving them rides on the Gator.
Harry is survived by his wife Sharolyn, children: Sandra (Doug) Huston of Union and Kevin (Marla) Van Der Hart of Pella; grandchildren: Kayla Huston of Pella, Kristin Van Der Hart of Dubuque, Gabriella and Macy Van Der Hart of Pella, Casey (Sara) Huston of Southern Pines, NC, Anna (Alex) Doolaard of Steamboat Rock, and Nikki (Brad) LaFratte of Bondurant; great-grandchildren: Claire Campbell, Bailey, Brody, Saige, and Sienna Huston, Tyler LaFratte, and Ava Doolaard.
He is also survived by three brothers and one sister: Frank (Lois) Van Der Hart of Snohomish, WA, Katherine Seekamp, Tom (Connie) Van Der Hart of Pella, and Louis (Laura) Van Der Hart of Newton; and two brothers-in-law, Howard Shaffer of Knoxville and Richard Shaffer of Pocahontas, AR.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents; a brother in infancy; and a sister-in-law, Marilyn (Dan) Strange of Pocahontas, AR.
