VAN ROEKEL, GARRET AND JOHANNA (BRANTSEN)

Garret Van Roekel was born March 22, 1908 at Sioux Center to Henry & Allie (Vander Ploeg) Van Roekel, and Johanna Brantsen was born June 11, 1913 at Sioux Center to Fred & Ella (Franken) Brantsen. They ware married on September 30, 1930 at Sioux Center.

Both Garret and Jo attended rural schools near Sioux Center, and after their marriage they farmed on two different locations west of Sioux Center and near Ireton.

Vacations were unheard of in the growing up years, but one highlight was the family gathering at Garret's parents at Christmas. When the bucket of water was placed beside the real Christmas tree, the real candles ware lit, Santa came down the stairs, and everyone received a small gift. The 4th of July was another festive day as they celebrated with lots of food, a softball game, relay races with prizes, and a "fish pond" for young and old. Before school began the family would take a days outing to Lake Okoboji or a large park in the city. The memories of these times are most precious as the family was all that really mattered in order to have fun.

Three children ware born to this marriage, as follows:

Marla Evonne was born on August 2, 1935 at Sioux Center. She graduated from the Sioux Center High School and later married Eugene M. Moss on August 19, 1953 at Sioux Center. They live in Sioux Center and have two children and four grandchildren.

Glenda Joy was born September 1, 1941 at Sioux Center, and also graduated from the Sioux Center High School. She married Marvin L. Fedders on September 1, 1961 at Sioux Center. They live in Le Mars, IA and are the parents of three children.

Lyle Lee was born June 15, 1946 at Sioux Center. He too graduated from the Sioux Center High School and served in the U.S. Army in the mid 60's. He married Diane Ruth Huisman on February 16, 1968, and have always lived in Sioux Center. They have three boys.

Garret and Jo retired to the town of Sioux Center in 1963; after that Garret worked with a construction business and did lots of cement work. He also did some driving for a local auto dealer to get or deliver cars. Jo worked as a cook in a local cafe. Jo passed away on February 14, 1979 of cancer.

by Ellen Van Roekel