Calvin Van Ee

           Calvin was born at home near Otley, Iowa.  He attended Pella Christian Grade School, was a 1965 graduate of Pella Christian High, and attended Iowa State University and earned his degree. 

            Cal and Deb met while she was caring for his dad in the hospital, and they married on May 19, 1984 in Pella, Iowa.  Together they were blessed with five children and twelve grandchildren, of whom he was very proud. 

            Cal loved spending time with grandchildren and especially enjoyed going to softball and baseball games in the summer.  This past weekend we celebrated Cameron’s first birthday.  This was a memorable, fun day for both Cameron and Papa.  They had a special bond.  They both “lit up” when they saw each other and had lots of conversations!

            Cal owned Country Acres Landscaping in Pella for twenty-eight years.  He loved making people’s yards attractive, and he got many compliments on his work.  Most recently, the large retaining wall on Oskaloosa Street!

            Cal had a love for bowling.  He enjoyed bowling on a Men’s League each week, bowling in State tournaments, and National tournaments.  Also, many younger children and their parents knew him well from helping with the junior leagues here in Pella.  He enjoyed watching them grow to be accomplished bowlers.

            He loved gardening and spent many hours “digging in the dirt”, being outside, and caring for the yard.  He enjoyed fishing, when he got to do it.  He and his best friend, Scott, were always “planning” fishing trips!   

Cal will also be missed by their three dogs, Brodie, Maggie, and Penny.  

            Cal enjoyed sports and was particularly interested in watching Iowa State, Raiders, and the Cardinals games.

            Cal had a passion for the American Legion.  He served in the Army from 1966 to 1968.  After joining the Legion, he served as Commander for several years.  He enjoyed doing Veteran’s Day events in grade schools, both in Sigourney and Pella, helping with the Flag Essay Contest, being in the Veteran’s Day parade at the State Fair, and, yes…the Tulip Time Float.  He hasn’t missed a single parade in years.  Many kids recognize him as “that white haired guy who rides the float”, and he loved it. 

            Cal also enjoyed singing.  He looked forward to singing in the choir, enjoyed the Community Christmas Musicals, and performing in the Christmas Post.  He spent many hours singing at the kitchen table preparing for upcoming singing events.

            Cal enjoyed Mission Trips.  He went to Honduras and most recently has been going to Texas and into Mexico with Trinity Church group.  He was planning to leave this coming Friday with the group. 

            Cal enjoyed ministering to others.  He was very active with the Crossroads Ministry and he helped as a leader of the Celebrate Recovery group in Pella.  He had been attending many planning sessions, and he was looking forward to helping again. 

            Our granddaughter, Hannah, describes “Papa” perfectly, “You didn’t know what the word stranger was, and you were always the friend everyone needed”. 

Calvin’s family:

Debra Van Ee, Pella, Iowa

            Joel and Wendy Van Ee, Sigourney, Iowa

                        Jacob Van Ee

                        Jordan Van Ee

                        Julia Van Ee

            Jason Van Ee, Grand Rapids, Michigan

            Jennifer and Chad Rhodes

                        Hannah Robbins

                        Wyatt Robbins

                        Connor Rhodes

                        Nessa Rhodes

            Jacklyn and Shane Adolphi, Pella, Iowa

                        Cullen Adolphi

                        Conner Adolphi

                        Cooper Adolphi

                        Chloe Landtiser

                        Cameron Adolphi

            William Van Ee, Denver, Colorado

He is also survived by his siblings:  Frances and John Rus of Pella, Marlyn Rietveld-Ebbers and Jim Ebbers of Pella, Alice and John Vande Haar of Pella, William and Yvonne Van Ee of Holland, Michigan, and David and Carole Van Ee of Byron Center, Michigan.

Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret Van Ee.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.