Elaine Phyllis Van Gelder

Sibley, IA Elaine Van Gelder age 93 formerly of Ocheyedan, IA died Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at Country View Manor in Sibley, IA. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 6, 2015 at Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley, with Pastor Shannon Pascual officiating. Burial will follow in Ocheyedan Township Cemetery at Ocheyedan, IA. Visitation will be Friday, February 6th from 12:00 until the hour of service at Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. Elaine P. Van Gelder was born August 6, 1921 in Goewey Township, Osceola County, Iowa, the daughter of John and Edna (Filke) Tracy. She was raised on the family farm near Ocheyedan and attended Ocheyedan Community School. She was united in marriage to Elmer Van Gelder on August 30, 1944. When Elmer received his honorable discharge the couple moved to a farm southeast of Ocheyedan where they farmed their entire married lives. Elaine was member of the United Methodist Church in Ocheyedan. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, cooking, baking and caring for animals. She also enjoyed reading. She will be remembered as a proud, traditional woman with a good work ethic. On October 31, 1982 Elaine's husband, Elmer died after 38 years of marriage. She continued living at the farm until 2010 when she entered Lake Park Care Center. In July of 2014 she entered Country View Manor Nursing Home in Sibley, where she remained until her death. She is survived by her two sons, Dennis Van Gelder and Allynn Van Gelder, both of Ocheyedan, IA; three grandsons, Jeff (wife Kelli) Van Gelder of Sibley, IA, Joel Van Gelder of Sibley, IA and Jason (Melanie) Van Gelder of Ocheyedan, IA; seven great-grandchildren, Paige, Codey, Madison and Megan Fisher, Teddy Van Gelder, Brooke Galema and Katrin Van Gelder; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Edna Tracy; husband Elmer Van Gelder; one brother, Leonard Tracy; and one granddaughter-in-law, Mandy Van Gelder.