Gerald Paul Van Sant was the first-born son of William "Bill" Van't Sant and Grace Matilda Van Donselaar. He was born on October 22, 1933, near Galesburg, Iowa,  in a farm house located  on the Marion/Jasper County line road. He grew up with farming knowledge all his life.

Gerald attended Peoria Christian Grade School. After graduating from the eighth grade, he chose to work as a farm hand for local farmers. He later completed a high school correspondence course.

In 1953, Gerald was drafted into the U.S. Army. His basic training was completed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He served in Korea as a heavy equipment maintenance operator. This valued trade opened many doors of opportunity long after his army days.

Immediately following his discharge from the army, he began employment with Clarence Ver Steeg, a local dozer contractor. On September 8, 1958, he married Marilyn De Zwarte at her parents' home in Pella. They were blessed with four children: Steve, Ron, Dave and Susan. They lived in the Pella area and he went on to hold many construction related jobs, operated a road grader for the county, and then in 1973 he went full-time farming by Tracy. Gerald loved anything farming! He restored tractors, enjoyed tractor rides, and attended Old Threshers Reunion in Mount Pleasant. His faith was important and central to his life.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Marilyn (De Zwarte)Van Sant, and their children:

Steve and Karen Van Sant of Knoxville

Matthew Van Sant

Olen Van Sant

Sarah Van Sant

Ron Van Sant and Ann Evans of Oskaloosa

Dave Van Sant of Harvey

Cory Burgett

Susan and Ross Morgan of Grand Rapids, Michigan

He is also survived by his sisters: Betty Lou Van Wyk, Janice Ruth (Sherwood) Bouma, and Milly Yvonne (Alvin) Van Dyke.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, William and Grace Van't Sant, Marilyn's parents Abe and Cobie De Zwarte, his brothers-in-law: John Vande Kraats, and Elvin Van Wyk, his niece Bonnie Vande Kraats and nephew Mike De Zwarte.

Faith Christian Reformed Church
Pella IA