VAN ENGEN, JOHN AND KAE
March 28, 1981, at the Central Reformed Church, the official beginning of the John and Kae Van Engen family occurred. They took up residency in a mobile home in Sunrise Estates. Before we go further, let's reminisce upon the past.
John, born June 30, 1954, is a native of Sioux Center, and the second of four living children born to Gerrit and Ruth (Oostra) Van Engen. He attended Sioux Center Public Schools, and began working fort he Hy-Vee Grocery Store in 1970. In 1976, he moved to Sioux Fans, South Dakota, as Produce Manager for one of the Hy-Vee stores. Two years later, John accepted a job offer in sales for DeRuyter Hardware, back in Sioux Center.
John and Kae Van Engen, Katie and Merribeth.
In Sibley, IA, on August 2, 1958, Elinor Kae Evink arrived as the second of three living daughters born to Wilbert and Mary (Schmidt) Evink. In 1963, the Evinks moved to Randolph, Wisconsin, where six years were spent before moving to Delavan, Wisconsin. Kae attended Randolph and Delavan Christian Schools and Delavan-Darien High School. Dordt College welcomed Kae to Sioux Center the fall of 1976, The intended one year stint led to four, and it was that final year when Kae met John while purchasing a Christmas gift at DeRuyters, Upon graduation from Dordt, Kae was employed as an Inservice and Community Education Coordinator at the Orange City Municipal Hospital.
Katie Jo was born on November 15, 1982, at St. Lukes Hospital in Sioux City, IA. She lived one year at Sunrise Estates before moving to her current residence, 1117 Eastside Drive with her parents. Katie is currently enrolled at the Sioux Center Christian School.
A sister for Katie arrived August 14, 1985, at the Sioux Center Community Hospital and she is named Merribeth. She attends The Learning Ship Preschool, and soon hopes to join her sister at the Christian school.
Family activities are important for the Van Engens - who are members of the Faith Christian Reformed Church. Fishing, biking, swimming and gardening are a few highlights they enjoy. Stitches 'n Stuff, a handmade gift and craft business, co-owned by Kae and Cindy Groeneweg also involve their family. In between the family schedules, Kae is employed part-time as an Operating Room Technician at the Sioux Center Hospital.
The family enjoys life in Sioux Center, and finds the people to be warm and friendly.
by John and Kae Van Engen