Arlene Van Wyhe

Rock Rapids, IA    Click Here To Watch Funeral Service

     Arlene Van Wyhe age 87, of Rock Rapids, IA died Thursday, February 17, 2022, at Rock Rapids Health Centre in Rock Rapids, IA.

     Visitation will be Saturday, February 26^th from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at the First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids.

     Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 26^th at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, with Pastor Amy Ryals officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.

Jurrens Funeral Home is in charge of services.

     Arlene LaVonne DeNoble was born on February 9, 1935, the daughter of John and Nellie (Wassenaar) DeNoble. When Arlene was two years old her mother, Nellie, died unexpectedly during childbirth.  Shortly after that her father, John left to serve in the U.S. military. On May 31, 1937, Arlene and her older brother, Cornie, began their life with her mother’s sister, Lena and Jerry Hommes, as their new parents.  Arlene attended country school and grew up on a family farm.

     On April 20, 1955, Arlene was united in marriage to Clarence Van Wyhe at her parents’ home north of Rock Rapids. They lived and farmed with Clarence’s parents for a short while and later moved to a farm near Arlene’s parents, north of Rock Rapids. In 1966 they had a farm sale and moved to a home in Rock Rapids. During these years Arlene raised two children, babysat, and cleaned houses for area families. She also enjoyed staining and varnishing woodwork for many years.  Arlene and Clarence went on many motorcycle trips, these were truly a highlight for Arlene, who loved to take pictures while riding on the motorcycle.

     On December 18, 2009, Arlene’s husband, Clarence died. Arlene remained active, following her grandchildren’s activities, shopping and going out to eat.  She always said, “When the Taxi shows up, I’m in it.” She enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles in the Club room, “making hangers” for the family, playing dominos and lots of visiting with friends at Heritage Estates, where she lived.    Arlene was a member of the First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, active with various church activities.   

     On February 7, 2022, Arlene entered Rock Rapids Health Centre and remained there until Thursday, February 17, 2022, where she died at the age of 87.

     She is survived by her two children, Gary (Karen) Van Wyhe of Rock Rapids, IA and Jan (Wade) Gort of Rock Valley, IA; five grandchildren, Jill (Jerry) Pytleski of Rock Rapids, IA, Mike (Amy) Van Wyhe of West Bend, IA, Megan (Marcus) Leloux of Byron, MN, Molly (Curt) Schilling of Ellsworth, MN and Spencer (Kendra) Gort of Doon, IA; sixteen great-grandchildren; half-brother, David DeNoble of Hoffman, MN; half-sister, Rita (Pete) Kaiser of Herman, MN; and a sister-in-law, Lela DeNoble of Rogers, AR; and many other extended family.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; John and Nellie DeNoble and Jerry and Lena Hommes; her husband of 54 years, Clarence Van Wyhe; infant sister and brother, Cornie DeNoble.