John Van Aartsen

Rock Rapids, Iowa

     John Van Aartsen age 94 of Rock Rapids passed away Monday, October 31, 2022, at Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids, Iowa.

     A memorial service will take place 10:30 AM, Friday, November 4, 2022, at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, Iowa with Pastor Amy Ryals officiating. Livestream Link

     A prayer service for the family will be held one hour prior to the service, with burial to follow the prayer service at Riverview Cemetery.

     Visitation will take place on Thursday, November 3^rd from 3:00 to 7:00 PM with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids.

     Memorials may be directed to First Reformed Church.

     John Van Aartsen was born June 21, 1928 in Ireton, Iowa, the son of Henry and Jennie (Roelofs) Van Aartsen.  He grew up near Ireton and Matlock before moving to Rock Rapids.  He attended Rock Rapids school through the eighth grade, when he had to take over the family farming duties after the death of his father.  John had a love for learning and encouraged all his children to pursue higher education. 

    On January 10, 1950, John was united in marriage to Ruth DeBuhr at Bethel Reformed Church in Ellsworth, Minnesota.  They lived on the family farm Southeast of Rock Rapids where John farmed for 20 years.  They moved into Rock Rapids in 1965.  John worked at Modern Home/Modern Gas and as a bus driver for Central Lyon Schools.  John also worked as a dedicated custodian at the First Reformed Church for 32 years. 

     John enjoyed fishing, ballroom dancing, motorcycle riding, music, and taking part in the Christmas lighting contest.  ”Van Aartsen Sundays” were spent eating and enjoying the company of his family.  Family was very important to John. Whether it was coffee gatherings, family cookouts, holidays or just a get together, John made sure the entire family, including his brothers and sisters and their children, would come together where the conversation was lively and humorous.  His family will remember him as a loving husband and dedicated father who instilled high values and raised his children to exceed expectations.

     Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of  72 years, Ruth; five children including: Debra (Dale) Parker of Casa Grande, AZ, Steve (Patty) Van Aartsen of Sioux Falls, SD, Randy (Susan) Van Aartsen of Pewaukee, WI, Cindy (Randy) Bosch of Rock Rapids, IA, and Stan (Marie) Van Aartsen of Prairie Du Sac, WI; 16 grandchildren including: Julie (James) Fowler, Robyn (Cody) Kranz, Lisa (Scott) Rupp, Dale Parker Jr., Heather (Jaron) De Wit, Michael Van Aartsen, Luke (Sandra) Lerdal, Nora (Everett) Oldenburg, Reva (Collin) Johnson, Daniel Van Aartsen, Krista (Dylan) Sincere, Joshua Van Aartsen, Nikki (Jereme) Thomas, Dustin (Taylor) Bosch, Amy Van Aartsen and Abby (Ben) DuCharme; 23 great grandchildren; a brother, Henry Van Aartsen; a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Van Aartsen; along with many nieces, nephews and friends. 

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Jennie; brothers and sisters, Hermina (John) Boote, Bernie (Tillie) Van Aartsen, Gerrit Van Aartsen, Marlys Van Aartsen, and Jane (Marvin) Albers.

                            Blessed Be His Memory.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of John Van Aartsen, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.