Richard W Van Weelden

May 11, 1924 - September 17, 2020

Richard William “Rich” Van Weelden, age 96, of Oskaloosa, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at the MHP Serenity Hospice House in Oskaloosa. He was born on Sunday, May 11, 1924, in Rose Hill, the son of James and Effie (Dykstra) Van Weelden. He attended country school until 8th grade. On February 28, 1945, Rich was united in marriage to Joyce M. Van Roekel, and to this union 5 children were born, Leon, Lynn, Allen, Roxanne, and Rick. Rich and Joyce enjoyed over 71 years of marriage until she passed on October 30, 2016. Rich worked at Pierson Seed Corn for many years as operating manager and later as a crop specialist at Mahaska Farm Service for over 20 years until his retirement. During his retirement he remained active and worked at the Oskaloosa Parks Department for 13 years and later took a job at Harvest Point Golf Course. He was always willing to help his neighbors and was known as the neighborhood handyman. Rich was passionate about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was an active member of the Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa where he held many leadership roles in youth ministry; serving as a Cadet Leader, Sunday School Superintendent, and Youth Group Leader to name a few. He felt led to use his carpentry and handyman skills to help others. He felt the best way to do this was through Habitat for Humanity. Rich was instrumental in bringing Habitat for Humanity to Mahaska County and served as one of the original board members as well as volunteering on projects for 23 years. He was also an active in Brothers in Blue and Cursillo ministries. Rich was a catalyst for bringing the Soap Box Derby to Oskaloosa and volunteered to make that event successful for many years. He enjoyed working in his flower garden, traveling, and camping all over the United States, antiquing, and restoring and refinishing antique furniture. His real joy in life was sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ spending time with his family and friends. Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Leon Van Weelden of Springfield, Missouri, Roxanne (Don) Morrison of Oskaloosa, and Rick (Cheryl) Van Weelden of Eddyville; fourteen grandchildren; thirty-five great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter due this winter; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his wife Joyce, Rich was preceded in death by a son, Allen Van Weelden; a daughter, Lynn Renner; a granddaughter, Heron Van Weelden; three great grandsons; a brother and his wife, John J. and Willie Van Weelden and two sisters and their husbands, Greta and Charles Vanderbeek, Jennie and James Knoot and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service and burial will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa with Pastor Jon Nelson and Marvin Knoot officiating. Those wishing to attend the graveside service should meet at the Bates Funeral Chapel by 10:10 Tuesday morning to form a procession to the Cemetery. It is also advised to bring a lawn chair to the cemetery. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. According to the rules put in place by the Iowa Department of Public Health, proper social distancing and reasonable personal protective equipment is advised for attending a religious public event. Rich’s family request that those in attendance please wear a mask during the service at the cemetery. The graveside service will be live streamed at the funeral home’s YouTube Channel for those wishing to support the family from a distance. Visitation will begin Monday, September 21, 2020 after 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Central Reformed Church or Lakeview Camp.