Stanley "Stan" Gaalswyk

Sibley, IA

     Stanley “Stan” Gaalswyk age 74 of Sibley, IA died Sunday, May 5, 2019 at Country View Manor in Sibley, IA.

     Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 11^th at the First Reformed Church in Sibley, IA, with Reverend Luke Schouten officiating.

     Burial will follow in the Holman Township Cemetery in Sibley.

     Visitation will be Friday, May 10^th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., with family present from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the First Reformed Church in Sibley.

      In lieu of flowers the family wish memorials to be designated at a later date. 

     Stanley Lloyd Gaalswyk was born on April 12, 1945, in Rock Valley, IA, the son of Joe and Marge (Kooima) Gaalswyk. Stan grew up on a farm near Rock Valley and attended the Christian school there. He went to Hull Western Christian where he graduated in 1962. Stan went on to college at Northwestern in Orange City, IA, where he earned a degree in education.

     On August 23, 1966, Stan was united in marriage to Gertrude Van Beek at the First Reformed Church in Rock Valley, IA. The couple made their home in Sioux Center, IA, moved to New York City for a short time, and then returned to Sioux Center. Stan voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served for two years including 1 year in the Vietnam War.

     After his discharge from the Army, Stan and Gert moved to Sibley, IA, where he taught math at the Sibley-Ocheyedan High School from 1970 to 2002. Stan and Gert also owned and operated S & G Laminates, a countertop and cabinet business from 1981 to 2001. After teaching in Sibley, Stan taught in Round Lake/Brewster, then at Southeast Tech, and at NCC for a while. In his retirement, Stan enjoyed working for ACE Hardware in Sibley.

     Stan was a member of the First Reformed Church, where he served as a member of the consistory as both Elder and Deacon. He enjoyed serving and being a living example of his beliefs. Stan’s service to others was central to his walk with Christ. He was also a member of the Sibley American Legion and Iowa Education Association.

     Stan’s family meant the world to him. A family tradition that began in 1983 is the annual family vacation up north for a week of family fun and fishing. In years past, Stan spent more time untangling five fishing lines than actually fishing. Stan also showcased his woodworking talents by building a crib for each of his children’s families. Stan was a pilot and loved to fly. He owned a small plane for several years.

     Stan was quite the prankster to his students and colleagues during his teaching years. In fact, the description in his high school yearbook reads, “overflowing with harmless mischief,” which many will agree is an accurate description. Stan will also be remembered for his hardy, distinctive laugh. He will be greatly missed.

     Stan is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Gertrude Gaalswyk of Sibley, IA; five children, Terry (Sherry) Gaalswyk of Worthington, MN, Timothy (Jennifer) Gaalswyk of Lancaster, PA, Jamiey Daiker of Sibley, IA, Scott (Jennifer) Gaalswyk of Canton, SD, and Russell Gaalswyk (special friend Amanda Luhmann) of Sibley, IA; his cherished dog Annie; eleven grandchildren; three siblings, Beverly (Merlyn) DeVries of Naples, FL, Joanne Dorhout of Cedar Falls, IA, and Margene (Eugene) Raak of Edgerton, MN; brother-in-law, Ron Walker of Crooks, SD; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Arlan Gaalswyk; son-in-law, Brian Daiker; sister-in-law, Esther Walker; and brother-in-law, Gary Dorhout.