John B. Van Middendorp

John B. Van Middendorp, 79, of Sioux Center, IA, died Monday, May 18, 2015, at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. A visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-8PM, with the family present from 6-8PM at the Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 10:30AM at the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center with Rev. Jamie Dykstra officiating. Interment will follow the funeral service in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center. Memorial donations may be directed to the Van Middendorp family. John Bernard Van Middendorp was born on May 9, 1936 to Bessel and Effie (De Boer) Van Middendorp in Alvord, Iowa. He first became a member of Rock Valley First Reformed Church. He later became a member of First Reformed Church of Sioux Center, Iowa, where he was a member for 51 years where he ushered, taught catechism and helped in the Sunday School Department. He attended country school through the eighth grade and attended Rock Valley Christian School for grades nine and ten. After tenth grade, John helped area farmers and put up grain bins across Iowa. At age 22, during the Berlin Crisis, John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, South Dakota Air National Guard, Unit 114th USAF Fighter Group Medics and was honorably discharged on July 13, 1964, having reached the rank of Airman First Class. John married Mary Elaine Moss on August 7, 1959, in Carmel, Iowa. After getting married, John and Mary lived near Alvord, Iowa, at which time John drove school bus, farmed 160 acres of land and also helped his dad on the farm. In 1963, John and Mary moved to Sioux Center where he was employed at Farmer's Coop Society as a truck driver for 23 years. In 1967, John and Mary moved to Mary's grandparents' acreage Northwest of Sioux Center and lived there until 2006 when they moved back to town. Later, John also drove truck for Joe's Ready Mix, Den Hoed's Greenhouse, Den Hartog Industries, and O.C. Trailers. Over the years, John enjoyed bowling, reading newspapers and farm magazines, gardening and spending time with his beloved wife and family. He had a knack for figuring math in his head and was great at problem solving - constantly thinking through situations to reach the best possible solution. His family benefitted greatly from his wisdom through the advice he offered, especially to his sons regarding the farming operation. John especially enjoyed visits from his children and grandchildren. He was dearly loved as a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He made it apparent every day that he loved the Lord most of all, and his family was of utmost importance to him. He found much joy in family get-togethers. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary, of 55 years, seven children and their spouses: Lorinda Bates of Sioux City, Denise and David Laackmann of Doon, Kevin and Julie Van Middendorp of Sioux Center, Michele Van Middendorp of Sioux Center, Gail and Randy Harlow of Sioux Center, Jason and Aimee Van Middendorp of Sioux Center, and Joni and Lance Roorda of Maurice. Grandchildren: Travis and Brittany Laackmann, Craig and Ashley Laackmann, Emily Laackmann, Bradley Laackmann; Brett Van Middendorp and girlfriend, Kaleigh Schildhouse, Aaron, Matthew, Eli and Ethan Van Middendorp; Melissa Van Middendorp and Micah Van Middendorp; Jessica, Miranda, Autumn and Charity Harlow; Kinzie, Bailey and Jayce Van Middendorp; Colton, Gage and Teagyn Roorda. Great grandson, Brexton Laackmann; two siblings: Helen and Don De Jager of Rock Valley and Berwin Van Middendorp of Sioux Center. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an unborn child; his parents, Bessel and Effie Van Middendorp; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Gertrude Moss; a son-in-law, Ron Bates; grandsons, Daniel John Van Middendorp and Collin Gene Van Middendorp; and a granddaughter, Megan Marie Van Middendorp.