Donald Eugene Van Rees was the oldest of four sons born to Edward and Lorene (Jansen) Van Rees on June 24, 1939, in Sully, IA.

Don attended Sully Christian Grade School followed by two years at Pella Christian High School before pausing his education to help his dad on the farm. He then completed his GED while serving in the US Army from 1962-1964.

Don and Deloris were married on September 21, 1961, in Oskaloosa. Soon after, Don completed basic training in Colorado. The following April they moved to El Paso, Texas, to continue his service. They attended a Christian Reformed Church and developed many life-long friends and memories. While still in El Paso they welcomed their daughter, Donna. After his service, they packed up the car and moved back to Sully where they made their first home together and welcomed their son, Duane. They sold their home to the expanding Sully Coop and purchased a new home where they welcomed another daughter, Diane. They raised their family in Sully and moved to Pella in 2021.

Don’s career started in the factory at Maytag and at Sully Coop driving a delivery truck. He was a long-standing employee of Fleck Feed & Grain, now called Kilduff Feed and Grain. He enjoyed his work with many farmers over the years and thought of them as friends, always willing to lend a helping hand.

Don was baptized and made profession of faith in the Sully Christian Reformed Church where he was a lifelong member serving as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and taking part in Bible studies.

Don lived his life marked by faith and devotion. With few and gentle words, he offered steady guidance and loving direction to his family. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, Don passed on peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior.

Those who will carry on his memory are his wife, Deloris, and their family.

Donna and Vaughn Newendorp, Pella, Iowa

     Danielle and Jeremy Hinkel

     Jeana and Samuel Parker

          Clayton

     Lauren and Ryan Taylor

Duane and Marla (Van Der Wilt) Van Rees, Lynnville, Iowa

     Drew and Leah Van Rees

          Max, Myles, Remi

     Kyle Van Rees

     Tara and Clint Stout

          Regan, Rees, Rayna

     Jade and Garrett DeHoedt

          Adler, twins Odin & Tate, Co, Arlo

Diane and Tony Jetter, West Des Moines, Iowa

     Austin Jetter

     Ben and Kara Jetter

Don is also survived by his brother Randy and Samantha Van Rees, brothers and sisters-in-law: Rhonda Van Rees and Betty Allman, and Kathleen Van Steenwyk, Darrell Bokhoven, John DeHamer, Howard and Patty Bokhoven, and Earl Kennel.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Lorene Van Rees, parents-in-law Herman and Evalena Bokhoven, brothers Clarence Van Rees and Steven Van Rees, and sisters-in-law Marjorie DeHamer and Carolyn Kennel.

Memorials may be given to the Sully Christian Grade School or Hospice of Pella.