Dennis Van Gelder

Dennis Van Gelder, age 79, of Ocheyedan, Iowa passed away Friday, November 22, 2024 at Country View Manor in Sibley.  

A funeral service will take place at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Jurrens Funeral Home in Ocheyedan with Pastor Steve Swenson, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Ocheyedan Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday, November 25th from 3:00 to 7:00 PM with the family present from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at Jurrens Funeral Home in Ocheyedan.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials in honor of Dennis Van Gelder may be directed to the Tracy House Museum in Ocheyedan.  

Dennis Kent Van Gelder was born September 4, 1945 in Sibley, Iowa, the son of Elmer and Elaine (Tracy) Van Gelder. He grew up in Ocheyedan and graduated from Ocheyedan High School. Following high school, Dennis joined the United States Army, serving until his honorable discharge in 1970.

On November 14, 1969, Dennis was united in marriage to Charlene Wells. To this union 3 children were born. They lived in Ocheyedan and Arizona together. They later divorced.

Dennis was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ocheyedan. In the past, he was a farmer, mechanic, plumber, block maker, and built houses. He was a “Jack of all trades”. He taught his sons how to get their hands dirty and a great work ethic. 

He will be greatly missed.

Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Jeff (Kelli) Van Gelder of Sibley with their children: Paige (Jesse) Reed of Winterset, IA, Madison (Jesse) Glade of Kingsley, IA and Megan (Kyle) Knutson of Larchwood, IA; Joel (Angie) Van Gelder of Sibley, IA with their children: Teddy Van Gelder, Sean (Ashley) Haberman of Worthington, MN, Eric Haberman of Okabena, MN, and Brady (Robi) Haberman of Harrisburg, SD; Jason (Melanie) Van Gelder of Ocheyedan, IA with their children: Katrin Van Gelder and Brooke (Jordan) Ruth of Sibley, IA; 6 great grandchildren, Beckette and Mya Glade, Hattie Knutson, and Mila, Aubri, and Ella Haberman; along with many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Elaine; brother, Allynn; grandson, Codey Fisher; and daughter-in-law, Mandy Van Gelder.

Blessed be his memory.