Gerald Joseph Van Dee
Gerald Joseph Van Dee
Gerald Joseph Van Dee
September 09, 1939 – November 21, 2021
Deep River, Iowa | Age 82
Jerry Van Dee, 82 of Deep River passed away Sunday evening, November 21, 2021 at the UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Medical Center in Grinnell. Gerald Van Dee, the son of Steven and Verla Schultz Van Dee was born on September 9, 1939 at Grinnell, Iowa. Jerry was one of five siblings.
Jerry attended and graduated from Deep River High School in 1958.
He began working at the Amana’s at age 18 and then changed jobs to his lifetime job of bulldozing and construction. He worked for Rugg Construction in Sigourney and then for Wayne Geetings in Pella until 1963 when he bought his first bulldozer and started his own business working over 54 years until the present.
Jerry was united in marriage to Marla Wehrle on June 15, 1963 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Brooklyn. They became the parents of four children, Laura, Lana, Lane and Laird.
Jerry loved his family and attended many of his grandchildren’s activities. He enjoyed his heavy equipment work, road tripping and coffee time with his many friends. Jerry was a member of St. Bridget Catholic Church.
His legacy will be honored by his wife of nearly 59 years, Marla; his children, Laura (Mark) Ballou of Killeen, TX, Lana (Gary) Wanders of Pella, Lane (Tina) Van Dee of Deep River, and Laird (Stephanie) Van Dee of Adel; his 13 grandchildren; his 13 great grandchildren; and his siblings, Dave (Carol) Van Dee of Deep River, Iowa Ann (Mark Seaton) Van Hamme of Vinton and his sister-in-law, Janet Van Dee of Altoona.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, his great grand-daughter, Tessa Sauter; his brothers, Marion (Betty) Van Dee and Jim Van Dee.
Mass of a Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 am Monday, November 29, 2021 at the St. Bridget Catholic Church in Victor.
Visitation will be held Sunday afternoon, November 28, 2021 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. with a Rosary recited at 3:00 pm.
A private burial will be held in the Armah Cemetery near North English on Tuesday.
Memorials may be directed to the Deep River Fire Department.
Holland-Coble Funeral Home of Montezuma is in charge of arrangements.
