Gerald Vermeer

Gerald Vermeer, 88, of Sioux Center, IA died Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at the Royale Meadows Care Center in Sioux Center. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2-8PM with the family present from 2-4PM at Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center. A prayer service will be held Monday at 10AM at New Life Reformed Church of Sioux Center. Interment will follow the prayer service in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Sioux Center. A memorial service will be held Monday at 11AM at New Life Reformed Church with Rev. Dan Kruse officiating. The Vermeer Family prefer memorials be directed to Words of Hope Ministries or Hope Haven. Gerald James Vermeer was born on January 24, 1923, to Henry and Johanna Vermeer in Sioux Center. He attended Sioux Center community school through the 10th grade. Gerald served his country in the US Army from 1944-1946, serving overseas in the Pacific Theater as a Surgical Tech. On January 2, 1948, he married Janeva J. Vander Weide at First CRC of Sioux Center. The couple made their home in Sioux Center where they have lived the majority of their lives. For several years Gerald owned and operated a dry cleaning plant in Sioux Center. After selling his business he went into sales for Wandscheer Manufacturing. In 1969, Gerald became the Director of Public Relations for Hope Haven, Inc. In 1977, he took a position as a Field Representative for Words of Hope, serving the Synod of the West. Gerald had a deep faith and love for the Lord. He was a charter member of New Life Reformed Church and became the Calling Elder at the church in 1997. In his free time, Gerald enjoyed golfing, singing and being with family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janeva Vermeer of Sioux Center; a daughter and son-in-law, Janna & Dennis De Jong of Sioux Center; son, Chad Vermeer of Jackson, WY; four grandchildren: Emily De Boer and her husband, Peter of Sioux Center, Sara Anderson and her husband, Keith of Hull, IA, Kayti De Jong of Cedar Falls, IA, Kendra Vermeer of Jackson, WY; five great-grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law, Ken & Jean Vermeer of Buena Park, CA; sister-in-law, Harriet Vermeer of Sioux Center, IA; brother-in-law, Marion Vander Pol of Remsen, IA and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers: Henry Vermeer and his wife, Leona, John Vermeer and his wife, Ada, Elmer Vermeer, Bernard Vermeer; sisters: Geneva Vander Pol, Helen Nettinga and her husband, Gerald and infant sister, Helen.