Robert James Vande Kop

Rock Rapids, IA 

Bob “Skinny” Vande Kop, age 74, of Rock Rapids, Iowa, passed away on January 31, 2025, at Fellowship Village, Inwood, Iowa, after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by his wife and three children.

 A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Also there will be a Prayer service beginning at 3:30 PM and Full Military Honors at 4:00 PM, at the church.

Bob was born and raised in Rock Rapids, Iowa. He was the son of George and Virginia (Snooks) Vande Kop.

In 1969, Bob was drafted into the Army where he fought in the Vietnam War. After returning home from the service in 1971 he met his wife, Susan Jane Moeller. They were married on December 4, 1971.

Bob and his dad owned and operated Apco gas station for a short time. After that, he worked for Pettengill Concrete and Gravel, Lester Feed and Grain, and lastly for Edna Elevator. He retired at the ag of 63 due to health issues.

Throughout his life, Bob loved to bowl, hunt and fish. One of his favorite trips was the family fishing vacation at Alexandria, Minnesota. After retirement he enjoyed helping with and supporting Wings of Valor in Parker, South Dakota.

Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sue, and their three kids: Todd and Heidi (Kille) Vande Kop, Shaun Vande Kop and Philip Martin, and Bill and Kristin (Smidstra) Vande Kop; seven grandchildren; one grandson-in-law; three great-grandchildren with one due in March; and his sister-in-law, Cathy Graef.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Wayne and Edith Moeller; his brother, Gary (Kook) Vande Kop; and his brother-in-law, George “Chip” Graef.