Jacob A. Van Wyhe, 81, of Pella went to his eternal home on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House. Interment in Ever-green Cemetery preceded the memorial service Nov. 3 at Tracy Christian Reformed Church. Memorials have been designated for Hospice of Pella.
Jacob Arnold Van Wyhe was born Dec. 17, 1932, to Henry and Lavina "Fannie" De Hamer Van Wyhe in rural Mahaska County. Jake attended Black Oak School through the eighth grade and was the only one in his class. After his mother's death in 1934, Jake's father married Cornelia De Hamer, the youngest sister of Jake's mother.
June 5, 1953, Jake married his blind date, Avis Vander Schel. For the first five weeks of their married life, Jake and Avis lived in California where he was stationed with the military. He served his country from January 1953 to December 1954. In August 1953, he was shipped to Korea.
After Jake's discharge, Jake and Avis farmed the J.A. Ver Meer farm for nine years. Later, they moved to Killduff where he drove a school bus for Sully Christian School and worked at Schmidt Lumber Company. After purchasing and moving to a home in Pella, Jake worked at Central College and STC in Pella. Later a move to Tracy gave them the opportunity to retire and spend time with their hobbies which included woodworking.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Avis; his four children and their families: Arn (Sue) Van Wyhe, Rick (Cathy) Van Wyhe, Leora (Rick) Bandstra, and Harlan (Mary) Van Wyhe; and his sister, Joan Sopher. Jake was preceded in death by his brother John Van Wyhe and his parents.
