Richard Henry Van Wyk was born October 5, 1917, to Gerrit Jacob Van Wyk II and Cornelia "Cora" (Roorda) Van Wyk, in Prairie City, Iowa. The family lived and farmed near Prairie City, Eddyville and Otley.

Farming often took precedence over education, but Richard continued to attend school and complete his education. He graduated from eighth grade in May, 1934 at the age of 17.

On February 7, 1945, Richard married Helen June Steenhoek, daughter of Hugo and Johanna (Vander Streek) Steenhoek. In September 1946 their first child, daughter Bonnie, was born. Farmsteads near Prairie City, Pella, and Otley were home to the Van Wyk family for the next several years and two more children were welcomed: Rodney in January 1948 and Joan in October 1949.

Richard continued farming until 1962 when he and Helen moved their family to Pella. In addition to tiling fields, Richard worked for Rolscreen Company (now Pella Corp.) and eventually for Vermeer Manufacturing. Gardening, wood working, walks with his dog, Molly, and church activities at First Reformed Church filled Richard's spare time until his retirement from Vermeer in 1982. After retiring, he and Helen worked for Jaarsma Bakery.

Grandchildren were an important part of Richard and Helen's lives as they provided care at various times and enjoyed their activities and family gatherings.

When Helen moved to Sheltered Care at the Pella Regional Health Center, Richard moved to Fairhaven East. His daily walks now took him to visit Helen. Even after her passing in 2003, he continued to walk and spend time outdoors. Richard was a familiar sight on the streets of Pella! He enjoyed life at Fair Haven and all of its activities until moving to Long Term Care in 2011. His final three years were spent at the Cottages where he enjoyed a wonderful community of neighbors and caregivers. He loved reading his Bible, using his reader due to failing eyesight, even when he could only see two or three words at a time. Richard was always ready for a ride in the country or a trip to Pizza Ranch. We will miss his infectious smile and contagious laugh. His strong faith, patience and kindness were an example to all of us.

Richard is survived by his children and their families:

Bonnie (the late Stanley) Vander Vegte, Palm Harbor, Florida
Stuart Vander Vegte
Sam
Nicholas and Michelle Vander Vegte
Emily and Chris Chute
Teagan and Liam

Rodney and Janet Van Wyk of West Des Moines
Adam and Jeni Van Wyk
Charolette and Jerrod
James Van Wyk
Katharine and John Coats

Joan (the late Robert) Waddington of Saint Louis Park, Minnesota
Richard and Angie Waddington
Carter and Morgan
Jacqueline Larson
Abigail
Jennifer and Dan Zeigner
Ella
Owen
Clara
Madelyn

He is also survived by his sister: Geraldine Ver Ploeg, and sisters-in-law: Johnita Van Wyk, and Doris Steenhoek.

Rich was preceded in death by his wife Helen, his parents, sons-in-law Robert Waddington and Stan Vander Vegte; brothers: Cornelius, Gerrit, Alfred, Lewis, Warren, Myron and Raymond; and his sisters: Fannetta and Adrianna.

Visitation

3:00 P.M., Friday, January 27, 2017
Family will be present 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Pella, Iowa

Memorial Service

With burial prior
10:30 A.M., Saturday, January 28, 2017
The Cottages - Vermeer Center
Pella, Iowa

Memorials

HearthStone Good Samaritan Fund

Family

The late Helen Van Wyk
Children:
Bonnie (the late Stanley) Vander Vegte, Palm Harbor, Florida
Rodney and Janet Van Wyk, West Des Moines, Iowa
Joan (the late Robert) Waddington, St. Louis Park, Minnesota