John "Bud" Van Ravenswaay

John "Bud" Van Ravenswaay was born in Sioux Center, Iowa on November 5, 1930, the son of Joe and Dena (Vande Hoef) Van Ravenswaay. He lived in Sioux Center until he joined the Navy in 1951. In February, 1956, he married Patricia Steffen. The couple operated a dairy farm in the Sioux Center area until 1962, at which time they moved to a farm near Remsen, Iowa. John and Pat had two daughters, Donna and Sandra. John moved to Boca Raton, Florida in 1973, where he later married his second wife, Nelva (Dolieslager-Roos) Van Ravenswaay. While in Florida he worked in the construction field until his retirement in 1997. John later moved to the Kissimmee, Florida area to be closer to his family. John maintained a very active status with the VFW, American Legion and Eagles. He was a very skilled carpenter, welder and farmer over the years. Anybody who needed something done, knew they could go to John. While living in Florida, he had a love for growing orchids. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Chet Berry and their two daughters: Cassie and Lacey all of Kissimmee, Florida; daughter, Sandra (Haggard) Sider and her two children: Gavin and Kaily of Keller, Texas; his first wife Pat; four sisters-in-laws: Ruth (Rich), Lena (Adrian), Sadie (Gary), Lila (Don) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; twin sister, Joan Van Ravenswaay; four brothers: Rich, Don, Gary and Adrian Van Ravenswaay; as well as his second wife Nelva (Dolieslager-Roos) Van Ravenswaay. Online Condolences Nancy Van Zee Orange City IA Relationship: brother in law ( married to sister Nelva) To John's extended family. You have our sympathy in the loss of your father and sept father. John was a very special and hard working man. I know him and Nelva loved the Florida weather. I remember all the visits we had when they were in Ia visiting our Mother Grandma Tena. He will be missed. Love and Prayers. Nancy and Family Sent: 1/18/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cindy Hitchins / Demers Ottawa, Ontario Canada. Relationship: family friend. Dear Donna,Sandy, and families. Very sorry to hear about the passng of your father,when i think back to many many years ago, he was a funny guy with a great sense of humor who loved his girls. I know you will miss him very much,my thoughts and prayers are with you all in this very sad time. Now he will be looking down at all of us...Gods speed Mr Van Ravenswaay! And God Bless.? Sent: 1/19/2010 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary & Bill Murray West Valley City Utah Relationship: Brother-in-law Dear Donna and Sandy, So sorry for your loss. You both have been wonderful daughters taking care of your father. It is very hard for daughters to loss their Dad. May God Bless you both in your grief. Love, Aunt Mary & Uncle Bill Sent: 1/23/2010