Geral VanKleek
Geral VanKleek
Geral VanKleek
June 6, 1952 – July 12, 2023
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 71
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Geral VanKleek, age 71, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He was born on June 6, 1952, in Pontiac, Michigan, the son of Eston and Elizabeth Van Kleek.
Geral attended school in Michigan and joined the United States Army before graduating. He served his country during the Vietnam War.
On June 16, 2001, he was united in marriage to Pamela Kelderman. They shared 20 years of marriage together until Pam passed away in May 2022.
During his time in the military, Geral worked as a mechanic. After serving his country, he continued to do mechanical work on vehicles. He later worked as a plumber for 20 years until retiring in 2014.
Geral enjoyed metal detecting for gold, collecting dragon statues, traveling and doing some woodworking.
His family includes his daughter, Crystal VanKleek of Michigan; a sister, Dorothy (& Ed) Nettleton of Michigan; two brothers, John and Jimmy Van Kleek; his step children: Harlan (& Tammy) Kelderman of Ottumwa, Peyton (& Sally) Kelderman of New Sharon, and Kendra Howard of Oskaloosa; ten step grandchildren: Jacob, Christina, Sarah, Jessica, Sylvia, Madison, Parker, Braxton, Kaidence and Joceslyn; six step great grandchildren: Malia, Alyssa, Kayleigh, Odin, Atlas and Leslie. He is also survived by 2 sister-in-laws, Becky Schwartz and Denise Gregory.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela VanKleek; his parents; two brothers, Roger and Bob VanKleek; a half-sister, Hazel Learue; and a step grandson, Tyler Howard.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, July 19, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Mike Dotson officiating.
Burial with military rights provided by the Oskaloosa Legion and V.F.W. will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Tuesday, July 18, at 5:30 p.m. at Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 Tuesday evening to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to the family.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Geral VanKleek please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
