Margaret Van Wyhe

NOTICE: Rock Rapids, IA  CLICK HERE TO WATCH FUNERAL SERVICE

     Margaret Van Wyhe age 84 formerly of Rock Rapids, Iowa died Saturday, April 9, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital in Shakopee, Minnesota.

     Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Thursday at Christian Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, IA., with Pastor Steve Van Wyhe and Pastor Alan Salwei officiating.  

     Burial will follow at the Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.

     Visitation will be Wednesday, April 10^th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM with the family present at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids.

     Margaret Elizabeth Janet (Alvine) Van Wyhe (84), of Rock Rapids, IA was born on August 22, 1937 in Sioux Falls, SD. On April 9^th Jesus came to take her home. She lived with her family on N. Prairie and attended the Augustana Lutheran Church.  As a teenager, Margaret worked at the Nickel Plate and as a telephone operator. She graduated from Washington High School in 1955. Soon after, she shared her first dance with Gerrit J. Van Wyhe at the Arkota ballroom. On January 17, 1957 they married and began their journey together.

     Over the next 36 years, Margaret and Gerrit raised their five children on the family farm near Rock Rapids and attended the Christian Reformed Church. She generously loved to cook delicious meals and bake for family, friends and hard-working farmers—known far and wide for her barbequed ribs, homemade pies and cinnamon rolls!! In 1993, Margaret and Gerrit retired and moved to Greene St. in Rock Rapids. Over the years, Margaret most enjoyed Bible studies, special moments with grandchildren, and singing solos as well as harmonizing with the Sweet Adeline’s or the church choir.

     Margaret was the epitome of a free spirit, lover of MUSIC; hymns, waltzes and polkas, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, DANCING, Lawrence Welk, the colors pink and purple, CHOCOLATE, laughing and teasing, hot fudge sundaes, coca cola, cats, ICE CREAM, Ronald Reagan, Billy Graham, Ma & Pa Kettle, her family, friends and her FAITH. Margaret lived and shared her faith openly. She loved the Lord! Her sweet and compassionate spirit touched everyone she encountered. She will notably be remembered quoting, “May the Lord Bless you!”

     Margaret was predeceased by Gerrit Van Wyhe (husband), Gertrude H. Alvine (mother), Paul G. Alvine (father), Delores J. (Alvine) Botkin (sister) and is survived by siblings: Frank G. Alvine (brother), Kenneth E. Alvine (brother), Jackie M. (Alvine) Degler (sister), Douglas P. Alvine (brother), her five children: Jolene K. Van Wyhe-Haidle, Paul S. Van Wyhe (Susan), Pamala S. Swaney (Bruce), Karen B. Olesen, Melanie E. Van Wyhe, eleven grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and the countless friends and lives Margaret touched throughout her life.