Charlene De Kock
Charlene De Kock
Charlene De Kock
November 19, 1928 – December 30, 2022
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 94
Charlene Ruth De Kock, 94, of Oskaloosa died peacefully on Dec. 30, 2022 at the Serenity House in Oskaloosa, IA surrounded by her loved ones. Charlene Ruth (Gosselink) De Kock, [Char or GiGi as she was known to most of her friends and family], was born to Leonard J. and Mary Magdalene (Hiemstra) Gosselink on November 19, 1928, southwest of New Sharon, in Mahaska County, IA.
Charlene grew up in the Bunker Hill neighborhood in Pella, and graduated from Pella Christian High School in 1946.
Charlene was united in marriage to Ray Van Dyk June 2, 1950. To that union, Charlene’s three children, Ron, Cheri and Randy, were born. They later divorced.
Charlene was later United in marriage to Glenn De Kock on Nov. 26, 1966.
Charlene’s life was marked by an adventurous spirit and deep love for her family. She celebrated her 90th birthday with a cruise and parasailing in the Caribbean as well as by a ride on a mountain roller coaster in Tennessee and zip lining in Branson. She loved to travel, especially if it was by car, and never gave up her paper maps—even after she started using the GPS on her phone. She had unusually good luck, which included winning an all expense paid trip to NYC.
Charlene’s work life was as unique and adventurous as her travels. Most of her life was spent living in the Oskaloosa and Pella area. She worked for both William Penn and Central College and numerous other places. She shared many memories of her time when she and Glenn worked as houseparents at group homes for teenagers.
After the kids moved out of the house, Charlene and Glenn moved to Missouri, Nebraska and even ran a hotel in Kansas. One of her favorite jobs was working for the Presley’s Country Jubilee in Branson, and she maintained a lifelong relationship with the family.
Charlene will be remembered as the oldest person we all knew with the fullest social calendar. She had the sharpest memory, and could easily tell you dates and details. She was the best gift-giver, always able to find the perfect thing for each person and always ensured there was a birthday or anniversary card in our mailbox. One of her favorite past-times was watching every football game she could find, along with the great fun she had providing candy to her great-grandchildren.
Charlene is survived by her three children:
Son – Ron Van Dyk and family:
Granddaughter – Traci McCully of Dallas
Great Grandchildren, Samantha and Zane
Granddaughter – Olivia (& Michael) Kuhl of Clive
Great Grandchildren, Camryn and Kira
Daughter – Cheri (& Arlyn) Klyn and family:
Granddaughter – Jennifer (& LeBarry) Richardson
Great Grandchildren – Ella and Aaliyah of Savannah, GA
Granddaughter – Jessica Klyn de Novelo (& Russel) de Novell
Great Grandchildren – Dominic and Raegan of Pella
Granddaughter – Alyssa (& Leigh) Hornbuckle
Great Grandchildren – Haleigh, Henley, Harlow and Hensley of Sully
Grandson – Aric (& Kandis) Klyn
Great Grandson – Corbin of Pella
Son – Randy (& Michelle) Van Dyk and family:
Granddaughter – Taylor (& Taylor) Lind
Great Granddaughter Noah of Waukee
Granddaughter – Paige Van Dyk (& fiancé Luke Mcdonnell) of Dubuque
A brother, Leonard (& Sharon) Gosselink of Pella; a brother-in-law, Verlan Uitermarkt of New Sharon; and a sister-in-law, Donna Gosselink of Pella; her stepchildren: Ken (& Claire) De Kock and their family, Don (& Elaine) De Kock and their family, and Becky (& Paul) Kaefring and their family; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Charlene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Glenn De Kock; brother, John S. Gosselink; sister, Marjean Uitermarkt; and nephew, Eric Gosselink.
A memorial service will be held at 9:30am at Heartland Reformed Church in Pella, IA on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 with coffee time following.
Memorials may be given to Heartland Reformed Church of Pella where Charlene was a founding member.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Charlene De Kock please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
