Henry Ralph Van Rheenen was born on January 13, 1945, at Mahaska County Hospital in Oskaloosa, Iowa, to John and Mary Irene (De Cook) Van Rheenen. He was raised on a farm southeast of Pella alongside an older brother and two younger sisters, where he learned early the values of faith, hard work, and helping others.

Henry’s childhood was filled with outdoor adventure and curiosity. He spent his days swimming and fishing in the creek, rabbit hunting, shooting his BB gun, playing baseball, building tunnels in the snow, driving his Allis-Chalmer tractor around the yard, and hanging out in the barn. As a young boy, he helped his grandpa mow as a side job, and during these years he developed a lasting interest in business, farming, and the outdoors, interests that would shape his entire life.

He attended Rock Island School and graduated from Pella High School in 1963. At just 17 years old, Henry began farming, nurturing a lifelong love of the land. Farming, caring for the land, and living as an outdoorsman was never just his work, it was who he was.

On July 17, 1964, Henry married the love of his life, Donna Engbers, in Pella, Iowa. Together they shared more than sixty years of marriage rooted in faith, family, and shared adventures.

Henry farmed southeast of Pella for 19 years, where he and Donna built their life and family. Henry raised and sold Hampshire hogs and served as President of the Marion County Pork Producers. During these years, they also owned and operated Sunset Ski Slope, one of their many shared ventures. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident early and continued throughout his life.

After moving to town, Henry and Donna lived on North Prairie Street for 33 years. Henry worked for ten years as District Sales Manager for NC+ Hybrids in Lincoln, Nebraska, and later spent 36 years as Marketing Director at Pierson Seeds in Oskaloosa, Iowa, all while acquiring and managing more than 300 acres of farmland. He also founded State Wide Realty and managed and developed Willow Crest Development. Later, Henry and Donna retired near their farm on Chestnut Lane. Although Henry “retired” from selling seed, he never truly retired, continuing to work the land and care for what they had built.

Throughout his life, Henry’s faith remained central. He was a faithful member of Trinity Church, where he lived his faith quietly and sincerely. He was involved in Gideons International and Bible study and was deeply grateful for the legacy of faith passed down through his family, one he was proud to pass on to his children.

That same love for God’s creation drew Henry outdoors whenever he could. He loved nature and looked forward to planting every spring. He and his sidekick Quint, spent countless hours riding through the fields on the Ranger with their dog, Hershey, checking crops and land. He enjoyed working on machinery and tractors, building hunting blinds, and hunting in the fall on his land with friends and family.

In addition to life on the land, Henry found great joy in the sky and on the open road. He was a pilot who especially loved sharing his passion for flying by taking his children up for airplane rides. He flew on many trips with Donna and even had the joy of flying with friends out to eat.

Henry and Donna also owned a Honda Gold Wing motorcycle and loved hitting the open road together, taking trips with friends. Over the years, they made countless memories giving rides to their children and grandchildren, always eager to include family in their adventures.

Wherever Henry was, hospitality followed. Everyone knew that a visit with Henry included coffee time. Coffee time happened morning, afternoon, and evening and was never rushed and always welcoming, with plenty of coffee, dessert, stories, and a good joke or two.

Above all, Henry loved his family. He was deeply devoted to Donna and took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He showed his love by showing up, steady, kind, and always ready to help.

Henry passed away on January 8, 2026, at the age of 80, at Crystal Heights in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Henry leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, hard work, and generous hospitality. His warm humor, open coffee table, and faithful heart will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Donna Van Rheenen and their family.

Lisa and Jeff Ruiter, Otley, Iowa

Joshua and Candice Ruiter

Zachary and Hali Ruiter

Lily and Noah Ruiter

Seth and Kara Ruiter

Tysen and Ellie Ruiter

Joel and Olivia Ruiter

Mark and Anna McNeely

Iris McNeely

Quintin Van Rheenen, Pella, Iowa

Heather and Joel Schnell, Pella, Iowa

Drew and Laci Van Hauen

Trey Van Hauen

Cruz Van Hauen

Dakota and Janae Schnell

May Schnell

Reece Schnell

Selah Schnell

Randa and Barat Smith, Bentonville, Arkansas

Shiloh Smith

Silas Smith

Henry is also survived by his sister Mary and brother-in-law Duane Van Maanen of Pella, and sister-in-law Ethel Van Rheenen of Pella.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Irene Van Rheenen; his brother, Irvin Van Rheenen; his sister, Becky Pickens; and his parents-in-law, Wilbur and Genella Engbers.