Joel Veenstra
Jun 6, 2026
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...
Jeanne Ryun
Jun 6, 2026
Jeanne Marie Ryun was born May 8, 1963, to William Lewis and Harriet (Wallace) Ryun in Knoxville, Iowa.
Jeanne was a graduate of Pella High School and the American Institute of Business in Des Moines. She worked for Farm Bureau in Des Moines for many years before retiring in 2020.
Jeanne enjoyed reading, puzzles, and word-search, but she loved Goofy, birdwatching and...
Vicky Engstrom-Trujillo
May 31, 2026
Vicky Lynn Engstrom-Trujillo, 68, of Knoxville, Iowa, departed this earthly life for heavenly peace on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at her home in Knoxville, Iowa. She was born on February 28, 1958 in Marion County, Iowa to Linda Mae Rickabaugh and Norman Edward Engstrom. She later gained a bonus father, Robert (Jim) Rickabaugh Sr., when her mother remarried. Throughout her...
Galen Huff
May 26, 2026
Galen Harold Huff was born September 16, 1939, to Harold and Genevieve (Erickson) Huff in Nevada, Iowa.
Galen attended school in Nevada, was a 1957 graduate of Nevada High School, and a 1963 graduate of Simpson College with a B.A. in business. He was active in high school singing in choirs, playing tight end in football four years, catcher in baseball...
Phyllis Zwank
May 23, 2026
Phyllis Zwank, a dedicated educator and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at Pella Regional Health Center. Born on June 15, 1944, to Bill and Velma (Brezo) Ahnen. Phyllis spent her life cultivating a love of learning and nurturing young minds, primarily through her teaching career in Alden Schools.
Phyllis’s journey in education began with...
Kjierstan Schut
May 23, 2026
Kjierstan Ann Marcia Schut, a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026. Born on March 20, 1995, Kjierstan lived her life with an open heart and an infectious spirit, touching the lives of all who knew her.
A proud graduate of Prairie City Monroe High School’s Class of 2013, Kjierstan embarked on a path...
Mavis Vos
May 22, 2026
Mavis Vos was born September 13, 1939, to Gerrit J. and Grace (Wanders) Vande Kieft, in Tracy, Iowa.
Mavis attended Richland Country School west of Otley and was a 1958 graduate of Pella Christian High School.
On August 31, 1960, she was united in marriage to Ivan Vos at the First Christian Reformed Church in Pella. Mavis and Ivan were married for...
Ernie De Jong
May 3, 2026
Ernest Lee “Ernie” De Jong was born November 30, 1929, to Cornelis and Goverdena (Klyn) De Jong in Monroe, Iowa.
On September 4, 1953, he was united in marriage to Jeanne Petersen, in the Methodist Church in Panora, Iowa. He was married to Jeanne for seventy years before her passing on September 4, 2023. To this union they were blessed with...
Josiah Jeffrey Ridgway
May 2, 2026
Josiah Jeffrey Ridgway was born sleeping on May 2, 2026. His name means God Heals & God gives Peace; a prayer and a reminder to us at every mention of his name.
He is survived by his parents, Matt & Hannah Ridgway, siblings Elena, Barrett, and Benjamin Ridgway. Grandparents Jeff & Connie Ridgway and Jeff & Jo Ann Altheide. Aunts and...
Annette Dop
May 2, 2026
Annette Dop was born July 7, 1938, to Henry and Johanna (De Koning) Rooda, in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
On December 7, 1956, Annette was united in marriage with Gene Dop. They made their home in Oskaloosa, Iowa for a short time before moving to Hayward, Minnesota, for Gene's banking position. After leaving Hayward, they moved to Pella. Gene and Annette lived...
Rhonda Vandenberg
May 1, 2026
Rhonda Marie (Livingston) Vandenberg, 69, of Leighton, Iowa, went to be with the Lord on May 1, 2026.
Rhonda was born on November 28, 1956, to Wilbur Dean and Kay (Sleeth) Livingston. She married Tom Vandenberg on June 7th, 2002.
Rhonda earned her LPN. She began her career working at Dr. Merrick’s office in Ottumwa, where she cared for patients for many...
Glen Miller
Apr 30, 2026
Glen Miller, born on July 30, 1951, passed away on April 30, 2026. His life journey spanned over seven decades, marked by the quiet dignity and steadfast resolve that those who knew him came to admire deeply.
Glen was a man of principle and integrity. Throughout his life, he exhibited a commitment to his values and an unwavering dedication to those...
Curt Hite
Apr 29, 2026
Lester Curtis “Curt” Hite was born January 22, 1944, to William Lester and Helen B. (Piersel) Hite, in the Mahaska County Hospital. He grew up on his family’s century farm near New Sharon.
Curt attended Elm Grove Country School through first grade and was a 1962 graduate of North Mahaska High School.
On February 4, 1963, he started working at Vermeer Manufacturing,...
Henry Schuring
Apr 23, 2026
Henry Nicklos Schuring was born on August 13, 1933, at home in the town of Fifield, Iowa. He was the fifth child out of eight born to Louis and Henrietta (Kelderman) Schuring. He weighed 11 pounds.
He attended country school through 8th grade. He then started working as a hired hand on the farm he eventually would buy and own for...
Priscilla Warner
Apr 20, 2026
Priscilla Leigh Warner was born April 8, 1947, to Colyn and Phyllis (Kussart) Garner in Oskaloosa, Iowa. She passed away at Independence Village in Pella on April 20, 2026.
Priscilla was a graduate of North Mahaska High School. During school she worked at the Iowa State Capitol as a page. Priscilla moved all over the U.S. while working for Bell Telephone...
Owen Ver Meer
Apr 14, 2026
Owen Dean Ver Meer was born December 1, 1942, to Anthony and Jeanette (Vander Wal) Ver Meer, in Mahaska County, Iowa. He lived in the Leighton area his entire life and was a graduate of Pella High School. Owen enlisted in the Iowa Air National Guard in 1960 and was honorably discharged in 1966.
On June 23, 1965, he married Esther...
Toni Martin
Apr 14, 2026
Toni Jean Martin was born November 10, 1952, to Norman and Maribelle (Lanphier) Riddle in Oskaloosa, Iowa. She grew up in the Pella area, attended Pella Schools, and worked for Pella Corp for 35 years.
On September 1, 1984, she was united in marriage to Eric Martin in Pella. Toni enjoyed camping at Howell Station, cooking, and spending time with her...
Marty Rickard
Apr 5, 2026
Marty Rickard, 88, son of Ralph and Mary Jane (Ellett) Rickard, was born in Grinnell, Iowa on December 26, 1937. Marty was the second of five children and was raised in Grinnell and later Gilbert. He graduated from Gilbert in 1955, and later attended college at William Penn, Iowa State, and Southern Mississippi.
In 1959, he married Janice Newenhouse. They had...
Tammy Emerson Wheeler
Mar 29, 2026
Tammy Jo Emerson Wheeler was born January 29, 1972, to Don and Gwen (Jankord) Emerson in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Throughout her career Tammy worked as a nurse.
Tammy is survived by her son Austin Emerson, parents Don and Gwen Emerson, and husband Bradley Wheeler.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Joyce Vandenberg
Mar 15, 2026
On March 15, 2026, Joyce Elaine Vandenberg at age of 83 was welcomed at Heaven’s gate by her friend Jesus. Joyce was a wonderful wife, mom, sister, aunt, neighbor, friend and was an inspiration to many. She cherished being a grandma and great grandma and seeing them made her smile even brighter. She adored all children (blessings) she came across...
