John Jr. Van Gorp was called to his eternal home on February 28, 2020, at the age of 89 years. John was born on June 14, 1930, the youngest of five children born to John M. and Minnie Blom Van Gorp. He grew up with three sisters, Gertrude, Matilda, Evalena and his brother Edward. He attended Wheat Grove Country School near his home.
John was a farmer at heart. He enjoyed working as a young boy alongside his father. Later John and his sons thoroughly enjoyed farming together for many years.
On November 20, 1952 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Jean Rus at the First Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. John and Dorothy were both baptized and made profession of faith at this church. They baptized their children and witnessed their profession of faith here. John served many years as deacon and elder. They are currently members of Covenant Reformed Church.
John and Dorothy loved living in the country and raised their family there. They made a home for John’s widowed father for nine years. A farm east of Pella was their home for 28 years. In 1980 they moved up the road half a mile to an acreage and lived there for 35 years. In 2015 they moved to Pella.
John’s faith and love for God guided his life. He loved Dorothy, his wife and best friend. Together they faithfully and lovingly raised their family. As John’s health declined, Dorothy lovingly and faithfully cared for him and cherished their time together. Their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are blessed by their example.
John and Dorothy were truly blessed with a full life, being married for 67 years. They prayed for and enjoyed their six children and spouses, their 19 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren with one more arriving soon.
John’s surviving family includes siblings: Wilma Rus Ryken, Frances Rus, Jerri Rus Jansen, Linda Rus, Arnold Gritters, and Marvin (Carol) Rus. He was preceded in death by his parents, John M. and Minnie (Blom) Van Gorp; his siblings Gertrude (Everett) Meinders, Ed (Edith) Van Gorp, Matilda (Gary) Vermeer, and Evalena (Arie) Roozeboom; parents-in-law, Henry and Johanna (Kruseman) Rus; brothers-in-law John Rus, Don Rus, Arnie Ryken, and Cornie Jansen; and sister-in-law Nancy Gritters.
[Adapted from Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home web site]