Elizabeth "Betty" Gertrude Vander Kolk

Doon, Iowa Elizabeth Betty Vander Kolk, age 81 of Doon, IA died on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral service will be 2:00 PM on Thursday May 23rd, 2013 at First Reformed Church in Doon, IA with Rev. Simon Lievaart officiating. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Doon, IA. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at First Reformed Church in Doon. Elizabeth Vander Kolk was born September 8, 1931 in Sioux Center, Iowa to Martin and Lillian (Jongerius) Wissink. As a young child she and her family moved to Rock Rapids. She was raised in Rock Rapids and graduated from Central Lyon High School. While in high school along with her studies, Betty was very involved with extracurricular activities. Her zest for life and outgoing personality led her to be involved with music and drama as well as being a cheerleader. She and Gerrit Vander Kolk became acquainted while they were in high school and the relationship blossomed. They were joined in marriage on June 15, 1951. Just two months later Gerrit was inducted into the service and was sent to Korea where he served until 1954. Betty lived with her parents while he was gone. During the time Gerrit was serving in the military the first of their six children was born. Upon his return the couple began farming in the area. Betty was always very active working alongside her husband in farming as well as driving truck. She had the will and spunk to go to school and learn to drive an 18 wheeler. People were often surprised when they learned this small frame lady could handle a semi-truck and trailer. Trucking as a team, Gerrit and Betty logged over 500,000 miles in their Purple Pete . This past Saturday, May 18th, 2013 Betty passed away at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls at the age of 81. Her endearing spirit and personality will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband of nearly 62 years, Gerrit Vander Kolk; children, Craig (Linda) Vander Kolk of Naperville, IL; Terry (Sherry) Vander Kolk of Athol, ID; Kevin (Tammie) Vander Kolk of Dunlap, IA; Tami (Richard) De Penning of Johnston, IA; Keith (Tanya) Vander Kolk of Severna Park, MD; and Karla (Larry) Wieland of Granger, IA; 20 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and many other extended family members. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; 3 grandchildren, Mark Vander Kolk, Brock Vander Kolk, and Tracy Vander Kolk; and 2 brothers, Delmer Wissink and Melvin Wissink. In lieu of flowers family wishes memorials be directed to Main Stream Living of Ames, IA. The organization provides services to persons with disabilities which are designed to enhance opportunities, create success, and fulfill dreams. Bettys grandson, Benjamin, is blessed with the services they provide.