Robert Murray Van Steenis

October 12, 1935 - June 28, 2020

Robert Murray Van Steenis, 84, a resident of Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa, went to meet Jesus on June 28, 2020, while being cared for at the Mahaska Hospital for the Corona Virus. Bob was the son of Murray and Velma Spencer Van Steenis. He was born in the Hospital in Oskaloosa on October 12, 1935. He attended Greely Grade School, Oskaloosa High School, and graduated from Elkhart University in Elkhart, Indiana as a dental technician. Bob married Sandra Dunning. To this union five children were born, Mark, Debbie, Bob, Marna, and Christina. Bob suffered a severe neck and spinal cord injury in a car accident in which he was the passenger, near Boulder, Colorado. As a result, he was unable to continue his career as a dental technician. He then pursued a career in food service working as a chef and liaison to management. Lastly Bob worked at the Dutch Buffet in Pella, and for over 15 years at the Stone Henge in Oskaloosa. Bob married Mae Price in 1986, together they managed group homes in Des Moines, Iowa and later in Kirkwood, Missouri. In 1990, they opened Van Steenis Care Center, caring for the elderly. Bob enjoyed the Iowa State Fair, and trips to Branson to listen to Southern Gospel Music. Bob was blessed with a voice to sing, and a sense of humor and an ornery side that brought smiles to many. His family includes his loving wife Mae Van Steenis of Oskaloosa; son and his wife, Bob and Cara Van Steenis of Ankeny; three daughters, Deb (Greg) Braden, Marna Abdulkader, and Christina (Tracy) Wiltse all of Oskaloosa; nine grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; step son, Rodney Price; three step grandchildren; three step great grandchildren; sisters in law, Lucy Van Steenis and Helen Allen. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, son, Mark Van Steenis; and his siblings, Donald (Violet) Van Steenis, Iola (Omer) Fleck, and Norma Jean (Leonard) Allgood. It was Bob and Mae’s prayer that their family and friends have Jesus in their hearts. In lieu of flowers the family suggests gifts to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Shriners Children’s Hospital, or Bethel Baptist Church Youth Group. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 3, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. in the Bethel Baptist Church in Oskaloosa with Reverends Steve Cox and David Brown officiating. Burial will be in the Porter Grove 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. The funeral will be live streamed at the funeral home’s YouTube Channel for those wishing to support the family from a distance. Visitation will begin Thursday after 12 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel, some of the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Thursday evening to greet friends and relatives.