Belva A. Van Gorp

Belva A. Van Gorp

Sheldon, Iowa

          Belva A. Van Gorp, age 70, of rural Sheldon, Iowa passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at her residence.  Her Funeral Service will be at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at the First Reformed Church in Sheldon with Rev. Paul Van Maaren ~ officiating.

            Graveside Service will be at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Greenwood Cemetery in Matlock.

            Visitation with family present will be from 5 – 7 P.M. on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon.

Belva’s request is for those attending the funeral service to wear bright colors.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

BELVA A. VAN GORP

BORN

November 18, 1952 ~ Sioux Center, Iowa

PASSED AWAY

December 29, 2022 ~ Sheldon, Iowa

FUNERAL SERVICE

11:00 A.M. Thursday, January 5, 2023

First Reformed Church; Sheldon, Iowa

Rev. Paul Van Maaren ~ Officiating

MUSIC

“I Can Only Imagine” CD by Mercy Me

“I Want to Stroll Over Heaven with You” CD

by Alan Jackson

CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS

“How Great Thou Art”

“He Lives”

Pianist:  JoElyn Ten Clay

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS

Sharon Vreeman                                   Lori Meendering

Norma Jean Bosma                                 Mary Miedema

Pam Charbonneau                         Sarah Van Meeteren

Molly Vander Linden                            Becky Anderson

Lesley Tjaden                                              Ann Hoffman

Jessica Kraayenbrink                                Missy Gurtler

CASKET BEARERS

Ross Tiedeman                                    Nathan Van Gorp

Mitchal Van Gorp                                        Brady Peters

Glen Riemersma                                      Randy Fonkert

FINAL RESTING PLACE

Graveside Service

 10:00 A.M. Thursday, January 5, 2023

 Greenwood Cemetery in Matlock, Iowa

The family asks that any memorials be indicated towards

 Village Northwest Unlimited

Arrangements are under the care of the

Vander Ploeg Funeral Home, Sheldon, Iowa.

     Belva Ann Van Gorp, 70, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at her home with her faithful companion Sadie at her side on Thursday, December 29, 2022. She was called home nearly in the same exact spot that her husband passed 28 years before.

     Belva was born November 18, 1952, the youngest child of Arthur and Frieda (Brunsting) Vander Ploeg. She graduated from Sioux Center High School and met the love of her life, Elwin, while attending Northwestern College. The two were married on June 15, 1974.

     In 1975, they moved to the only home they would ever live in near Sheldon. Here Belva worked alongside Elwin with things like bottle-feeding calves and fixing fences, so the cows didn’t get out –again...a far cry from the tasks she learned from the furniture store and funeral home she grew up in. She also kept busy creating her own crafting and sewing side-hustle. Her creativity and ability to create the beautiful was apparent quickly to those who knew her! Elwin and Belva’s early years of marriage were filled with going to church softball, volleyball, and basketball games. She enjoyed couples card clubs and socializing over a great meal she prepared. Portions were always generous, like the life and love she offered. Belva dear had a competitive spirit, it was hard to beat her, and her love of cards continued throughout her life.

     In 1980, Erica Beth joined the family and life was never dull again! Ethan Boyd soon came along in 1983 and their family was complete. Belva’s greatest joy came from raising her children and supporting her husband’s farming activities.

     In 1994, the Lord called Elwin home after a courageous battle with cancer. Belva in true fashion stepped up and went to working full-time off the farm. Belva had tremendous pride in working for Village Northwest Unlimited and their mission. She spent 26 years as the manager of Fantasia where her coveted staff became members of her family who were her faithful “prayer warriors” as she fought her own cancer battle and WON.

     Belva’s strength, perseverance and the joy and laughter she shared despite some of the hardest of challenges were an inspiration to those around her. She was a champion who through her faith beat challenges she was told couldn’t be beat. She was a living testimony of grace, grit, and wisdom to those around her.

     Belva’s greatest joy was her grandchildren and the transition from “Auntie B” to “Grandma B” was her favorite. Her bond with her grandchildren was instantaneous and their relationship with them was one that will be forever cherished. Belva invested in people and the bonds she had with others was long-lasting. She was a marvelous mom, grandma, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend. She loved to laugh and tried to look for humor in all situations. Belva had a tremendous gift for delivering hard advice when you didn’t really want to hear it, but in a loving way. She relished a great cup of coffee, time in her pool and flowers - especially daisies.

     Belva’s 70 years seem too short for those she leaves behind. Blessed to have been touched by her life includes her daughter, Erica Beth and her children, Ashley Grace and Ross Michael Tiedeman; a son, Ethan Boyd of Spirit Lake and his children, Cora Quinn and Holly Mae Van Gorp. Her sister, Marge (Howard) Beernink, a brother, Stan (Rejonna) Vander Ploeg and a sister, Arlis (Gerry) Vande Garde. Also her husband’s siblings and spouses; Jolene (Roger) Miedema, Norma Van Gorp, David (Jane) Van Gorp, Dan (Sherri) Van Gorp and her other “son” John (Anna) Van Gorp. And numerous nieces and nephews.

     Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents Art and Frieda Vander Ploeg, her in-laws, Al and Dorothy Van Gorp, brother-in-law, Bob Van Gorp, nephews, Lee Beernink and Mattison Miedema and a niece, Lynne Beernink.

     Belva’s request is that all in attendance wear bright colors to celebrate her being called home to join her love in Glory.