12/24/2003
A Celebration of Life for Bethel Dee Van Klootwyk, 73, of Knoxville, who died Wednesday,
Dec. 24, 2003 at his home, was held Monday, Dec. 29, at Williams Funeral Home. Pastor
Steven Bagby officiated at the services.
Music was provided by Janet Westberg, soloist
and Darlene Mooberry, organist. Interment was at Gosport cemetery in rural Marion
County. Casketbearers were Steve Hoehns, Ralph Klootwyk, Richard Mathes, Stu Menninga,
Chuck Sims and Tom Smith. Honorary bearers were Flavian Hoch, Dale Pearson, Frank
Rogers and Bob G. Smith.
Bethel was born on Aug. 18, 1930 southwest of Knoxville
in rural Marion County. He was one of two children born to Grace Leona Mowl and
Clarence Corney Van Klootwyk. He graduated from Knoxville High School in 1948. He
was a captain in the United States Army from 1951-1953.
On April 4, 1964 he married
Joan Marie Crossley in Knoxville. To this union four children were born. Bethel
farmed with his father and later his son south of Knoxville. He raised black-white
face Angus cattle and Duroc hogs.
He was a member of the National Farmers Organization
and the Marion County Pork Producers. He was a 4-H leader for many years with the
Hop-n-Hurry 4-H Club. He was also an honorary member of the Twin Cedars Future Farmers
of America. He was awarded the Iowa Master Corn and Soy Bean Growers Association
award in 1984 and 1985.
Bethel enjoyed traveling out west to Montana and Colorado
with the family. He liked to spend free time hunting and fishing as well as reading.
History and biographies were his favorite books. For many years Bethel collected
antique cars. Special ones were his 1961 and 1962 Chevy convertibles and a red and
white 1959 Corvette. He drove them in various 4th of July, Homecoming and other
parades as far away as Oklahoma City, Okla.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Joan of Knoxville; a son, Logan Van Klootwyk and his fiancé, Angee Porter of Newton; three daughters and their husbands, Lori Van Klootwyk-Ladwig
and Lejon Ladwig of Edina, Mo., LuAnn and Victor Markley of Kelley, and Loretta
and Craig Schouten of Columbia, Mo.; a sister and brother-in-law, Clarice and Melvin
Sams of Apache Junction, Ariz.; and five grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to
the Hospice of Pella and Olive Chapel United Methodist Church. Arrangements were
made by Williams Funeral Home.