Wilbert James Van Gelder

Wilbert James Van Gelder was born on a farm near Alton, Iowa to William and Effie (Feenstra) Van Gelder on April 16, 1929 and entered into his heavenly home on June 7, 2021 at the age of 92. He grew up in the Newkirk, Iowa area. He and Clara (Goslinga) were united in marriage on December 26, 1951. Shortly after their marriage, Wilbert served 2 years in the US Army, mostly in active combat duty in South Korea, being honorably discharged as Corporal. After returning home to the states, Wilbert and Clara lived for a time in Sheldon, IA. They then farmed at Carnes, IA, and Hospers, IA before purchasing a farm near Rock Rapids, IA. Upon retirement, they moved to Tucson, AZ in 2009. He loved to farm, but most of all he loved God, his wife, his family and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Prior to moving to AZ, he loved spending winters in Arizona with Clara. He was preceded in death by his wife Clara, his parents, 3 brothers; Ray, Dick and Edward and 2 sisters Margaret Muilenburg and Carolyn Vande Brake. He is survived by his children and their spouses Robert and Carol of Tucson, AZ, Loren Van Gelder and Kathy Kramer of Grove, OK, Pamela and Jon Kragt of La Vista, NE, 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, one brother Arnold Van Gelder and one sister Theresa Goslinga.