Clarence Van Voorst

      Clarence Van Voorst, 76, of Hull, IA died April 3, 2019, at Sioux Center Health in Sioux Center, IA.

     Funeral service will be 2:00 pm, Saturday, April 6^th at Carmel Reformed Church in Carmel, IA, with Rev. Mike Pitsenberger officiating. Burial will follow at Carmel Cemetery in Carmel.

     Visitation will be Friday, April 5th from 4-8pm with the family present from 5-8pm at the Carmel Reformed Church.

    Clarence “Big C” Van Voorst was born August 21, 1942, to Henry and Gertie (Fluit) Van Voorst in Sioux Center.  He was raised on the family farm North of Carmel and attended Hull School through the Eighth Grade.  At the age of sixteen Clarence’s father, Henry, died and he assumed the responsibilities of the family farm.

   While helping the neighbor in the field near his home, his eyes became fixed on the girl who brought lunch to the field.  After meeting up again at the fair, she stole his heart and on February 13, 1961, Clarence was united in marriage to Carol Rose Sandbulte at the Carmel Reformed Church.  

   Throughout their early married family life they lived in the various communities of Carmel, Sioux Center and Boyden.  While living in those varies communities Clarence began working in the construction industry. 

   Through the responsibilities of the family farm, Clarence worked hard and gained a strong work ethic which helped carry him and his family through many adversities in life. In 1962, with that same strong work ethic and determination to be his own boss (in control), Clarence started his own concrete business.  

   In 1969, Clarence and Carol moved to their current residence West of Perkins.  The concrete business continued operating from the acreage until relocating to its current place of operation in Hull.  Today Van Voorst Concrete, Inc. employs two sons, six grandsons, one son-in-law and approximately thirty employees.

   With a passion for farming seeded deep inside, Clarence was able to purchase his first piece of ground in the early 90’s. The farming operation has continued to grow. Clarence often boasted of being the best operator of the different farm equipment.  He generously shared his passion of farming with his son-in-law and grandsons. 

   Since marriage Clarence was a member of Carmel Reformed Church where he faithfully served on the building committee of the current building, sang in the church choir, and always looked forward to helping at Vacation Bible School.

   Clarence always gave everything he had while maintaining faith in God’s plan.  He pursued many adventurous hobbies including racing, flying, antique cars, fast pitch softball, fishing and many other short-lived passions too numerous to list.

   Clarence’s greatest passion was the love and care he showed his family. He loved taking the “whole works” to Florida each year.  Clarence was unselfishly generous, unswervingly faithful, humbly compassionate, and determined no matter the circumstances.  That determination helped him walk at least 15,000 steps every day for the last three and a half years.  Now he follows the footsteps of Jesus while strolling over Heaven.  Praise God!!

   He is survived by his wife Carol of Hull; daughters:  Melinda Nibbelink of Orange City, Minerva and Richard Kooiker of Middleburg; sons:  Marlin and Paula Van Voorst of Hull, Mark and Kristi Van Voorst of Hull, and daughter Misty and Tom Zwart of Hull. 24 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; siblings:  Jeanette and John Van Ginkel of Rock Valley; Tunis and Jacqi Van Voorst of Custer, SD; Henry and Judy Van Voorst of Sioux Falls, SD; Cynthia Amick of Jefferson City, MO; Mary Driesen of Rock Valley; Joanne Driesen of Sioux Center, Ruth (Jake) Anker of Chilliwack, BC; sisters-in-law:  Carrie Van Voorst of Fairview, SD, Joyce Van Voorst of Sioux Falls, SD, Shirley Van Voorst of Rock Valley as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

   He is preceded in death by his parents; and infant son, Chad Allan Van Voorst; son-in-law, Terry Nibbelink and three brothers: Jake, Gerald, and John Van Voorst.