Blake Mattingly Van Vark was born on September 22, 1995, in Pella, Iowa. He was the oldest of four children born to Wade and Hilary Schuring Van Vark. He passed away at the age of sixteen on Monday, February 13, 2012, due to injuries sustained in a car accident.

Blake was a member of the sophomore class at Pella High School, where he was actively involved in many facets of school life. He was a drummer both in the school band and at church and was a member of the football, basketball, baseball, and golf teams. He had the career goal of becoming an architect.

Blake's faith was an important part of his life, as was spending time with his brothers and sister. He enjoyed his many friends, all sports (especially the Yankees), music, and art.

Those left to cherish his memory are the following: his parents, Wade and Hilary Van Vark of Pella; his siblings, Halle, Noah, and Tate; his maternal grandparents, Stan and Diane Schuring of Pella; his paternal grandparents, Kent and Sue Van Vark of Pella; his maternal great grandmother, Tressie Van Weelden of Pella; his paternal great grandmother, Dorothy Van Vark of Pella; maternal aunts and uncles Heather and Trent LaHue and Heidi and Grady Holt; paternal aunt and uncle Cole and Sarah Van Vark; cousins Addy and Izaak LaHue, Max, Abe, Anne, and Camille Holt, and Fisher Van Vark; numerous other relatives; and his honorary big sister, Kelsey Fynaardt.

Preceding him in death were his great grandparents, Jake and Arvena Schuring, Arie Van Weelden, Robert F. Van Vark, and Tony and Thelma McMains.

FUNERAL SERVICES

10:30 A.M., Saturday, February 18, 2012
Third Reformed Church
Pella, Iowa

VISITATION

After 10:00 A.M., Friday, February 17, 2012
with family present 4:00-6:00 P.M.
Third Reformed Church
Pella, Iowa

MEMORIALS

Third Reformed Church c/o Baja 101
To build a home in La Mision, Mexico

FAMILY

Parents: Wade and Hilary Van Vark - Pella
Siblings: Halle, Noah, and Tate Van Vark
Grandparents: Stan and Diane Schuring - Pella
Kent and Sue Van Vark - Pella
Great Grandmothers: Tressie Van Weelden - Pella
Dorothy Van Vark - Pella

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