Obituary
Marilyn Ruth Van Gorp was born January 28, 1936, during one of the coldest, snowiest winters on record. She was the second of six children born to Marion Lester and Marjorie (Van Roekel) Van Gorp. Bethany Reformed Church was where she was baptized as an infant, and she made profession of faith in eighth grade at Sully Reformed Church.Marilyn, left hand dominant, was 'backward' for milking, sewing, and similar tasks. Cleaning the cream separator, making breakfast, packing school lunches, and sitting at the corner spot at the supper table were the consequences of being a lefty. She enjoyed reading over her dad’s shoulder during family devotions. Marilyn walked a mile to Battle Ridge School where she had one classmate. She graduated from Sully Highschool.
Norman L. Van Wyk came into her life through a blind date arranged by mutual friends. Norm was determined to marry Marilyn. Their wedding took place Nov. 16, 1954. They gave the world six daughters, who they were so proud of, and they raised them to love God, each other and others. They were active members at Calvary Christian Reformed Church for more than 60 years. They loved to travel by car all over the country. The family lived on a farm across from Lower Grove Church for ten years, and they moved to Pella in 1978. Marilyn took a job as a CNA at Pella Regional Hospital. She worked several years loving the babies in OB.
Norman died of cancer in April of 2002. Marilyn used that season to become a Master Gardener and make her yard a utopia of flowers, water features, and fish. She also enjoyed working as an usher at the Civic Center in Des Moines. It was a great way to enjoy the arts and take in some amazing performances.
She caught Paul Vos’ eye in 2009. He showed up in his antique convertible and asked her to go for ice cream in Monroe. Paul and Marilyn enjoyed each other’s company, and they married in January 2010. Paul has three children, Arvin, Mark, and Ruth. He had quite an experience being merged into Marilyn’s large family of 80 people. Paul died in August of 2022.
Marilyn was blessed to live in her home until Monday, May 1, 2023 when Jesus took her to Heaven at the age of 31,871 days (87 years). Her family adored her, and she experienced much joy in her life and her share of sorrow. She grieved the loss of her husbands, Norman L Van Wyk and Paul Vos, her parents, Marion Lester and Marjorie (Van Roekel) Van Gorp, her brother, Larry Van Gorp, Norman’s siblings and parents and several in-laws.
Those left to celebrate her life are: [...]
She is also survived by her siblings: [...]
Memorials maybe given to The Well in Pella.
The burial will precede the service on Friday.
[From Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home]