Gardena Van Vark was born February 25, 1928, to Stoffel and Johanna (Zweedyk) Meulpolder in rural Pella. She attended Sandridge Country School through 8th grade.  Gardena was a member of Lower Grove Church and a longtime member of Third Church.

Gardena was united in  marriage to Francis F. Van Vark and made their home in California, later returning to Pella. To this union they were blessed with two children: Dennis and Randall. Gardena worked in the egg plant for Boomsma Produce for more than twenty years.  She went on to work for Pella Corp. for 31 years before retiring in 2010, at age 82. After retiring, she enjoyed going to thrift stores shopping for collectibles. Gardena enjoyed visiting the animals on her acreage, and cleaning up the yard. She also enjoyed entertaining visitors, and spending time with friends and family.

Those left to cherish her memory:

Dennis D. and Suzette Van Vark          Randall R. and Ruthann Van Vark

Kennedy Van Vark                        Felicia F. Van Vark

Isaac Van Vark                                    Alizabeth Van Dusseldorp

Meredith Van Vark                       Ronald R. (Michelle) Van Vark

Jill (Scott) Anderson                            Sidnie, Tori, Rylie, McKenlie

Emma, Grant, Wyatt          Marlee M. Morton

Bo Tanke

Taylor

Amber (Jake) Reed

Jackson, Ainsley

Alison (Josh) Beiler

Evelyn, Elliot

She is also survived by her sister-in-law Donna Meulpolder.

Gardena was preceded in death by her husband Francis, her parents Stoffel and Johanna Meulpolder, her parents-in-law John and Mary Louise Van Vark, two step-sons: Doyle Van Vark and Robert and Dorothy Van Vark; and her siblings: Peter and Marie Meulpolder, Nellie and Charles Moore, Jean and Gerald Terpstra, Johanna and Wilbur Van Ee, Helen and George Van Vark, and Raymond Meulpolder.

Hospice of Pella - Day of Care
Pella IA