Kenneth G. VanHulzen
Kenneth G. VanHulzen
Kenneth G. VanHulzen
August 23, 1933 – August 4, 2015
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 81
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Ken Van Hulzen, 81, of Oskaloosa passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2015, after an extended battle with cancer. Ken was born August 23, 1933 in Oskaloosa to Andrew (Dutch) and Elberta Schilstra Van Hulzen.
Ken graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1952. He served in the army for two years, stationed in Germany, and then attended Iowa State University, where he met his wife, Virjean Lund. Ken and Virjean were married June 7, 1958 in Wheatland, Iowa.
Ken farmed on the family farm near Rose Hill for 10 years before joining his father in the oil business. He expanded the business to include the West End Phillip 66 gas station, which was the first self-service station in Oskaloosa. He later built a car wash adjacent to the station. He purchased Van Hulzen Oil from his father and expanded the uptown business with the Oskaloosa Service Center, a five bay automotive repair business. He also continued to farm, especially enjoying time with his livestock.
Ken was very active in the community. He was a life time member of the First Christian Church, where he serving as a deacon, youth leader and activities organizer. He was an original board member of the Mahaska County Outreach, serving as treasurer for many years. He also served on the Oskaloosa School Board for six years, along with helping with the End of Month Meals, Habitat for Humanity, Share Iowa and a member of the American Legion.
He enjoyed attending his grandkids many activities and 40 years vacationing in the Ozarks with family.
Ken is survived by his wife Virjean Lund Van Hulzen of 57 years; their four children: Kendra (& Mike) Slycord, of Oskaloosa, Kraig (& Jana) Van Hulzen, of Oskaloosa, Kurt (& Teresa) Van Hulzen of Sac City, IA, and Kara (& Scott) Touro of Louisville, KY; ten grandchildren: Kayla (& Brock) Martin, Kristelle Slycord (& Brooks VanderBeek), Kamron and Kourtney Van Hulzen, Andrew, Sarah and Joshua Van Hulzen; Nathan, Mitchell and Makenna Touro; two brothers: Bill (& Retha) Van Hulzen of Zion, IL, Don (& Joan) Van Hulzen of Iowa City, IA; one sister, Sandra (& Glen) Vande Lune of Summerville, OK; a brother and sister-in-law Rollie and Verlee Reiling of Wheatland, IA; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dutch & Elberta Van Hulzen; his parents-in-law, Lester & Bernadine Lund; and two grandsons, Aaron and Brady Touro.
Funeral services will be held Saturday August 8, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in First Christian Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Michael Omundson officiating.
Burial will be held at Forest Cemetery with Military Rites given by the members of Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin after 12:00 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5 – 8 Friday evening to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to First Christian Church or Mahaska County Outreach.
