Joyce Van Weelden
March 17, 1924 - October 30, 2016
Obituary for Joyce Van Weelden
Joyce Margaret Van Weelden, 92, of Oskaloosa, went to be with the Lord Sunday, October 30, 2016, while being cared for at Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa. She was born March 17, 1924, in Mahaska County, the daughter of Louis and Maggie Van Ommen Van Roekel. Joyce graduated from Rose Hill High School with the class of 1941. Following high school, she worked as a nurse’s aide at the old Mercy Hospital in Oskaloosa.
On February 28, 1945, she was united in marriage to Richard "Rich" Van Weelden, near Rose Hill. Following their marriage, Joyce stayed home to care for her family and home. Later in life, she rejoined the work force and worked at Jaarsma Bakery in Oskaloosa for over 6 years. Joyce was an active member of the Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa, she taught Sunday School, helped with Vacation Bible School, served as a youth leader, and was a part of Phoebe Circle. Joyce and Rich furthered their ministry through prison fellowship and R.C.A. Cursillo. She was also a member of Mahaska Stitch and Quilt. She and Rich served as volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and worked together on many projects in Mahaska County and in Florida. Joyce also served the community as a Hospice Volunteer. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, embroidery, and crocheting. She delighted in spending time with her family.
She is survived by her husband of over 71 years, Rich Van Weelden of Oskaloosa; three children, Leon Van Weelden of Springfield, Missouri, Roxanne (Don) Morrison of Oskaloosa, and Rick (Cheryl) Van Weelden of Eddyville; fourteen grandchildren; thirty two great grandchildren; three brothers and their wives, Ralph and Lillian Van Roekel of Pella, Glen and Vera Van Roekel of Indiana, and Darrel and Joann Van Roekel of Pea Ridge, Arkansas; a sister and her husband, Mildred and Asher Schanck of Kansas City, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Allen Van Weelden; a daughter, Lynn Renner; a granddaughter, Heron Van Weelden; and twin great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 3, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. in the Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa with Reverends Jon Nelson and Joe Brummel officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Wednesday after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Wednesday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Central Reformed Church Children’s Sunday School or Lakeview Camp