Vel Shicks

Vel Shicks, 80 of Sioux Center, Iowa died Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the Prairie Ridge Care Center in Orange City, Iowa. A visitation with the family present will be held on Sunday from 1:30-2:30PM at the Christ Community Church of Sioux Center. A funeral service will be held on Sunday at 2:30PM at the Christ Community Church with Rev. Dan Kruse and Rev. David Addink officiating. A graveside committal service will be held Monday at 3:30PM at Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center with Rev. Randy Widbin, officiating. The Shicks family prefers memorials to Hidden Acres Christian Center, 3837 Union Avenue, Dayton, IA 50530 Vel Shicks was born on October 24, 1934 in Urbana, IL to his parents, Oscar and Pearl (Hoffee) Shicks. As a teen, Vel attended church camp and it was there that he came to understand God's great love for him and his need to respond to Christ's offer of salvation through faith. This commitment to the Lord set in motion a lifetime of loving and serving God. Vel's childhood was filled with family camping trips, church involvement, and accordion lessons. As an adult, Vel obtained a Master's degree in Education and Counseling. He served in the Army in the Korean War. After his discharge, he continued teaching school. Vel met the love of his life, Pat Van Gilder, and they were married on August 8, 1959. The Shicks moved to Dundee, IL and soon welcomed a daughter, Ruth and son, Bryan. Vel continued his career in education as a teacher and principal. He also enjoyed being a part-time professor at Trinity College in Deerfield, IL. He continued his education and graduated with a degree in Old Testament studies from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Through the years, Vel held several church ministry positions such as youth group sponsor, Sunday School superintendent, choir director, Sunday School teacher and elder. As a couple, Vel and Pat welcomed many missionaries and thoroughly enjoyed entertaining friends and family in their home. Vel's hobbies included camping with his family, singing, collecting antiques and railroad memorabilia, gardening, photography and oil painting. In 1977, Vel accepted the call to go in to full-time Christian ministry as camp director for the Central District of the Evangelical Free Church. Vel directed several summers of youth and family camps at various retreat and centers around Iowa. It was in the summer of 1979 that Vel and Pat were driving around the beautiful countryside near Dayton, IA. They "stumbled" upon a hidden 640-acre piece of property, undeveloped, but lush with ravines, trees, pastures, a creek and bountiful wildlife. The campaign to "Own Our Own" began and soon the property was purchased by the District and named, Hidden Acres Christian Center. Later, Vel and Pat sensed a calling to minister to and with those struggling with dependency on alcohol and other drugs. They founded Naaman Recovery Ministries. Together, they co-wrote the "Mountain Mover's" Bible study support group curriculum. Groups gathered in churches, prisons, rescue missions and homes all around the United States and in the Philippines. Many people came to know and embrace the One who gave His life for them - Jesus. Addictions were broken and relationships restored as these precious friends studied and applied God's Word. Today, Mountain Movers continues to be used mainly in rescue missions. In preparing for retirement, Vel and Pat moved to Sioux Center in 1993. Vel taught English as a Second Language and took the opportunity to use the Bible in his curriculum. Many still kindly refer to him as Mr. Vel, their English professor. The Shicks attended New Life Reformed Church. In 2000, Vel retired from full-time ministry finding time to travel with Pat. Grandchildren were growing up and trips to see them were a highlight. Vel's children and grandchildren have fond memories of him praying with them, asking questions about their walk with the Lord, and hearing their stories from school activities and Christian camping ministry. To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Vel and Pat enjoyed a Dr. David Jeremiah sponsored Alaskan cruise. It truly was a trip of a lifetime. Sadly, toward the end of the cruise Vel suffered a life-changing stroke. In November of 2012, Vel became a resident of Prairie Ridge Care Center in Orange City, IA. Vel and Pat read Scripture together, sang, and enjoyed getting to know the wonderful staff and residents. A few weeks ago, while Vel was still strong enough to communicate, Bryan and his dad had a pleasant and final conversation on the phone. One day in the final week of Vel's life, Pat was holding his face in her hands and whispering to Vel how much she loved him. He responded by saying, "I love you." These were the last words he spoke. On February, 21, with his wife and daughter on either side of him, Vel took his last breath on earth and his first breath in heaven. Those left to recall many wonderful memories include Vel's wife of 56 years, Pat of Sioux Center; a daughter, Ruth and Dale Landegent of Sioux Center and their family: Titus and Magdalene Landegent of Sioux Center and their sons, Raymond and Ezra; Bethany and Carson Norine of Blair, NE, and their sons, Jackson and Cooper; Marina Landegent and Tony Landegent, both of Sioux Center;Vel's son, Bryan Shicks of Crandon, WI, and his family: John-Bryan and Emily Shicks of Green Bay, WI, and their daughter, Arianna; and Bryanna Shicks of Akron, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Pearl Shicks.