Orville Van Wyk, a beloved husband, dedicated worker, and cherished friend, passed away Tuesday, Mar. 12, 2024, in Newton at the age of 87. He was born Mar. 25, 1936, on a farm south of Lynnville to Henry G. and Clara H. (Ver Steegt) Van Wyk. His life journey was marked by a profound commitment to his community, his family, and his passions.
Orville received his education at the Ryder School in rural Lynnville and served in Panama with the United States Army from 1958-1960. He worked for Lynnville Seed Company from 1957-1981, when he joined Van Wyk Freight Lines from where he eventually retired.
June 23, 1979, Orville married Violet Greene at the Oak Grove Church near their farm south of Grinnell. They remained on the farm until 1996 when they relocated to Newton.
Orville and Vi were members of Sully First Reformed Church and later became active members of Community Heights Alliance Church in Newton. They also enjoyed attending Thursday night services at the Bar None Cowboy Church in Newton.
They were active participants in Newton Motorcycle Club and Newton Square Dance Club. Orville also enjoyed participating in tractor rides, playing cards and shuffleboard, and daily coffee time with friends. For 22 years, Orville and Vi enjoyed winters in Apache Junction, AZ, where they had many lifelong friends.
Those left to honor Orville’s memory are: His wife Vi; his two sons Todd (Angie) Van Wyk and Troy Van Wyk, both of Lynnville; a daughter Tara (Travis) Carrico of New Sharon; two stepsons Douglas (Pam) Sadler of Sioux Falls, SD, and J. Gregory (Denise) Sadler of Grinnell; a step-daughter-in-law Mary Sadler of Arkansas; two brothers Gilbert Van Wyk of Lynnville and Gary (Deen) Van Wyk of Sully; his sister Margaret Ann Coop of West Liberty, KY; two grandchildren Jenna Hibler and Kourtney Van Wyk; three great-grandchildren; and several step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Mildred Bogaards; a brother-in-law Newton K. Coop; a sister-in-law Marlene Van Wyk; a grandson Jace Carrico; and a stepson Steven Sadler.
A funeral service for Orville was held at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton at 11 a.m., Friday, Mar. 15. Interment was in Sully Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Orville’s name to Community Heights Alliance Church Missions.
