Luella Van Englehoven

Luella Marie Van Englehoven was born September 7, 1940, to Laurens and Carrie (Van Roekel) Van Wyk at the family farm near Leighton, Iowa. She passed away peacefully near family and friends on November 10, 2022, in St. Charles, Illinois. 

Luella attended Burr Oak Country School and was a graduate of Pella Christian High School. Luella loved her church, and one day after church she and a friend were walking outside after the service. Two young men out looking at the pretty ladies happened upon them. They quickly realized the two were cousins so Luella was paired with Clarence and their story began.  On September 10, 1959, Luella was united in marriage to Clarence A. Van Englehoven at the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa, Iowa. They were blessed with a daughter Linda.  

In 1966, Luella was a founding member of Peace Christian Reformed Church, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  She willingly served as the church grew over the years.  Luella not only felt gratitude but gave back, always quick to lend a helping hand and willing to welcome newcomers to her town and church as she never met a stranger. 

She loved to laugh and was in for a practical joke or prank. Even midnight “break-ins” to the houses of close friends, with the Wedding March at full volume were co conspired in giggles and fun. 

Luella worked for 20 years as a Teacher’s Assistant at Linn-Mar Community Schools.  She was also a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for 5 years, and enjoyed her time as a Small Claims Court Mediator for 12 years.

Luella and Clarence traveled to many countries and beaches.  They enjoyed retirement winters in Lady Lake, Florida with their 5th wheel and pickup that Luella frequently offered but was rarely allowed to drive.

She was lucky in random things. Grocery store shopping sprees, contests, and drawings, and ultimately blessed in life.

Luella is survived by her husband Clarence, daughter Linda (Kevin) Pretet, grandchildren: Matthew Van Pretet, Johnathan Lee Pretet, and Amanda Marie Pretet. Also surviving are Luella’s sisters: Carol (James) Lillard, Shirley (Michael) Masucci and many nieces and nephews.

Luella was preceded in death by her parents Laurens and Carrie Van Wyk, and three brothers: Kenneth (Annette) Van Wyk, John Henry Van Wyk and Laurens Van Wyk, Jr.

She will be missed.  Her family is comforted knowing heaven gained an angel who is now watching over her loved ones singing with joy and playing the piano as she did on earth.

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