Section D, Row 7 from east side of section:
M. Van Roekel dies suddenly here Tuesday
Milton Van Roekel, 49, Sioux County Recorder, died suddenly at about 7:15 Tuesday evening after suffering a heart attack.
Mr. Van Roekel was raking leaves in front of his home here when he had the attack. Mrs. Vernon Mouw, who lives across the street, saw Mr. Van Roekel fall to the ground. She immediately called a doctor, and Mr. Mouw went to see if he could aid Van Roekel. Mr. Van Roekel, however, apparently died almost instantly.
Funeral arrangements were pending here Wednesday morning. The Red Cross was contacting Van Roekel's son, Merlin, who is stationed with the Navy at Kodiak, Alaska.
Mr. Van Roekel is also survived by his wife; a daughter, Laura, 15; and a son, Roy, 6.
Mr. Van Roekel had served as Sioux County Recorder since 1936, and had been Treasurer of the Orange City Independent school district for the past 10 years, and was Treasurer of the Trinity Reformed church.
Sioux County Capital 1958-04-10.
Merlin L. (Ernie) Van Roekel, 74, of Des Moines, passed away peacefully on
May 16, 2013.
Merlin was born in Orange City, IA to Milton and Alice Van Roekel and married
to Cynthia B. Anderson.
Merlin is survived by his loving family, wife Cindy, children Kara Tragesser, Mark (Birgit) Van Roekel, Brian (Irene) Van Roekel, Holly Van Roekel, sister Laura (William) La Grange, brother Roy Van Roekel, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, favorite cousin Kay Tolman, many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and many long time friends. He will be greatly missed by all.
Funeral service for Merlin will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 3424 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, May 21, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with interment at St. Luke's Resurrection Garden immediately following. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke's Memorial Fund or to the family for distribution to his preferred recipients.
