Patricia Ann Van Wyngarden, cherished wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, and friend, died peacefully on Apr. 13, 2024, at the age of 89 after suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born July 8, 1934, at her childhood home south of Reasnor to Kenneth and Irene (Zwank) Carnahan.
Pat graduated from Newton High School with the Class of 1952. May 27, 1953, she married Kenneth Van Wyngarden in Paso Robles, CA, where they lived during his military service until 1954. Following Ken's discharge, they returned to Reasnor, where they built a family and created a life together.
For 31 years, Pat served the community through her commit-ment to the United States Postal Service, retiring as the Postmaster at Reasnor. She was a lifelong fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, only occasionally embracing the Cyclones, and found immense joy in attending her boys’ fastpitch softball games and her grandchildren's activities and sporting events.
A passionate card player, Pat often found delight in friendly games with Ken. She was an active member of United Methodist Church in Reasnor, contributing her time and effort to organizing community events like ice cream socials.
Pat will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but memories of her love, kindness, and sense of humor remain in those she leaves behind.
Those left to honor Pat’s memory are her sons Craig (Fos) Van Wyngarden and Kent (Diane) Van Wyngarden; four grandchildren Cory (Tafanie) Van Wyngarden, Kyle (Allison) Van Wyngarden, Abbey Van Wyngarden, and Anna Van Wyngarden; five great-grandchildren Drew Van Wyn-garden, Clair Van Wyngarden, Isabella Van Wyngarden, Emmaline Van Wyngarden, and Ruby Van Wyngarden; and her life-long friend Marilyn Walker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, parents-in-law Wilbur and Florence Van Wyngarden, sister Shirley Viney, and brother-in-law Wendell and Judy Van Wyngarden.
A funeral service for Pat will be held at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton at 11 a.m., Thursday, Apr. 18. A livestream of the funeral service will be held on the Pence-Reese Funeral Home Facebook page. Interment will be at Hewitt Cemetery, rural Sully. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pat’s name to Jasper County Christmas Courthouse Lighting or donation of your choice.
