Joel Robert Veenstra was born October 10, 1969, to Jerry and Rita Veenstra in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Joel attended Peoria Christian School, was a 1988 graduate of Pella Christian High School, and also attended Cornell College and Central College.

On July 13, 1991, he was united in marriage to Lynda Engbers. To this union they were blessed with three children: Andrew, Alex and Caitlin. They later divorced.

Throughout his career, he worked for the Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Red Rock, Pella Nursery, J. Farnsworth Pepperdine in New Sharon, Vermeer Manufacturing, Co-Line Welding, and Ulrich Meat Market. Some of Joel’s hobbies were woodworking, farmer’s markets, and farming.

Those left to cherish his memory are his family:

Andrew Veenstra, Searsboro

Alex (Kirsten) Veenstra, Oskaloosa

     Javen and baby due in November

Caitlin Veenstra, Searsboro

Joel is also survived by his parents Jerry and Rita Veenstra of Pella, and brother Darrell and Angela Veenstra and their sons Blake and Trevor of Lynnville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to American Stroke Association or the Peoria Christian School.