John Dick Van Maanen

IN MEMORY OF
JOHN D. VAN MAANEN

BORN
June 16, 1930
Rock Valley, Iowa
PASSED AWAY
May 18, 2007
Sheldon, Iowa

FUNERAL SERVICE
1:00 P.M. Tuesday
May 22, 2007
United Methodist Church
Sheldon, Iowa
CLERGY
Rev. Marvin Lindley and Rev. Donna Van Maanen
MUSIC
“I Can Only Imagine” & “Proud To Be an American”
Sung by: Alex Jinkinson
“Battle Hymn of the Republic”
By the: United Methodist Church Bell Choir
Accompanied by: Lois Gruis
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
“America the Beautiful”
“How Great Thou Art”
Organist: Lois Gruis
HONORARY CASKET BEARER
David Paulsen
CASKET BEARERS
Aaron McVicker Alex McVicker
Doug Heiliger Jonathan Heiliger
Ken De Groot Randy Bruns

FINAL RESTING PLACE
East Lawn Cemetery ~ Sheldon, Iowa
Military Graveside Services by the Sheldon:
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 7354
and the American Legion Post #145

After the graveside service, relatives and friends are invited to join the family in the fellowship hall of the church.

Arrangements under the care of
Vander Ploeg Funeral Home of Sheldon, Iowa
JOHN DICK VAN MAANEN
June 16, 1930 – May 18, 2007

John Van Maanen of Sheldon, Iowa passed away in his home, Friday, surrounded by his daughters and friends. John was a native of Northwest, Iowa. He grew up in Rock Valley, Iowa the son of Gerrit and Henrietta (Timmer) Van Maanen, where he graduated from High School. He later graduated from NWCC with an AA.
Staff Sergeant John Van Maanen proudly served in the US Air Force from May of 1948 to May of 1955. In that time he participated in the support staff of the Berlin Air Lift. He met his wife Staff Sergeant Lois Hetzel on a blind date; it was love at first sight; shortly after they married at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. They were married 51 years before she preceded him in death in 2003.
John began his 38-year career with IPS/Mid-America in Rock Valley. In 1966 he became the manager in the Sheldon area. He called Sheldon his home until his death.
His greatest joy was serving in his community. John’s many areas of service included the founding committee of the Sheldon Avenue of Flags; past president of the Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis; the Sheldon Park Board; an original member of the Sheltered Workshop which grew into Village Northwest Unlimited; co-chair of the Sheldon Centennial Celebration; and the building committee of Sheldon United Methodist Church where he also served for many years as an usher. John was also a member of the local Eagles Club, the VFW and the Masons.
John was recognized by his community as Man of the Year in 1967 and honored with the Sheldon Community Development Corp. Hank Award in 2004.
Van Maanen was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees. John loved showing his great “Yankee Room” to his friends and visitors. He and his wife, Lois often, cheered for the Yankees at games in the Twin Cities and Kansas City. Later they loved going to Sioux City Explorers games and getting to know the players and the manager who would look for them in the stands.
John’s front porch became a frequent stop for his many friends. Even children would come to the door and ask, “Can John come out and play?” Customers would look for his friendly smile in the aisles of HyVee where he worked for 7 years after retiring from IPS. John was happy to share his knowledge of the community and love of the people with the marvelous staff of the Sheldon Community Development Corp. where he was a daily volunteer for 7 years.
He has joined the love of his life, Lois. John’s greatest treasure was his family, Rev. Donna Van Maanen of Oakdale, CA; Karen Paulsen and Cathy Van Maanen both of LeMars, IA; his grandchildren, Christy DeLoura, Patty Scarset, David Paulsen, Alisha Paulsen, Aaron McVicker and Carrie, Alex McVicker, and Audra McVicker; 11 great grandchildren, and several foster children, his brothers, Bill and Jo Van Maanen of Rock Valley, IA; and Larry and Nancy Hylarides of Le Sueur, MN. (Buddy the Squirrel)
John loved his country, community, family and friends. Though his life here is over his legacy never ends.