Laverne “Jr.” Van Gorp, 79, of Newton, passed away on May 15, 2026, at Park Centre in Newton.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 21, at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. Interment will take place at Sully Cemetery followed by a lunch at Sully First Reformed Church. Memorials may be designated to Hope Ministries.
Born on Feb. 15, 1947, in Des Moines, Jr. was the son of Laverne Leroy and Emma Jean (Meyers) Van Gorp Sr. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1964 and went on to live a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and unwavering faith.
Feb. 23, 1968, Jr. married the love of his life, Violet Ruth Verwers, in Newton. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and farming, sharing over 58 years of marriage.
Jr. proudly served his country in the Air National Guard and Reserves from 1964 to 1970.
A devoted follower of Christ, Jr. attended New Hope Assembly of God in Urbandale. His faith guided the way he lived each day and shaped the example he set for his children, grandchildren, and all who knew him. He loved deeply, treasured time spent with his kids, and made sure no one stayed a stranger. Whether working, worshiping, or helping others, Jr. lived quietly and faithfully, always putting others before himself.
He is survived by his loving wife, Violet Van Gorp; his children Darrell (Jennifer) Van Gorp and Lynnette (Chad) Fikse; his grandchildren Emily (Ross) Van Wyk, Kyle Van Gorp, Lukas Van Gorp, Owen Van Gorp, Evan Fikse, Kendra Fikse and her fiancé Tyler Vander Linden, and Laura Fikse; and great-grandson Hudson Van Wyk. He is also survived by his sister Mary (John) Cooper; his brothers Paul (Carol) Van Gorp and Gary (Reta) Van Gorp; along with many extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jr. will be remembered for his steady faith, strong work ethic, quiet kindness, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the generations he helped raise and the lives he touched through simple acts of faithfulness and love.
