Larry Van Dalen, 73, of Monroe, passed away on Tuesday, Apr. 11, 2017, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. A celebration of Larry’s life will be held on Friday, Apr. 21, from noon-2 p.m. at the Monroe American Legion. Per his wishes, Larry was cremated and a private family burial will take place at Mt. Zion Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Monroe Emergency Unit, Monroe Volunteer Fire Department, or the Jasper County Animal Rescue League.
The son of Wayne and Valeta (Gifford) Van Dalen, Larry was born Sept. 8, 1943, in Newton. He graduated from Newton High School in 1962. Mar. 16, 1985, he was united in marriage to Fern Van Wyk. Larry sold Featherlite Trailers for over 20 years. He also was a livestock buyer. Larry enjoyed horses, dogs and riding mules. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife Fern; three children, Angie (Gene) Gettys of Harlan, Denise (Bob) Williams of Newton, and Greg (Angie) Van Dalen of Newton; four stepchildren, Todd (Bonnie) Terpstra of Newton, Krista (Ron) Van Wyngarden of Monroe, Jodi (Mike) Lanphier of Reasnor, and Jill (Cameron) McGinley of Pella; eight grandchildren, Alexandria and Nathan Gettys, Bailey and Baker Zegers, Maggie Williams; Sara, Megan, and Jacob Van Dalen; 14 stepgrandchildren; eight stepgreat-grandchildren; a brother, Lehrl (Judy Brodersen) Van Dalen of Monroe; and a sister, Barbara Hickey of Newton; and a sister-in-law, Rosalie DeZwarte of West Des Moines.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lois Van Dalen; and a brother-in-law, Carroll DeZwarte.
