Obituary of Gilbert Vollink

Gilbert Abraham Vollink, son of Tunis and Minnie (Van Schepen) Vollink, was born at Ireton, IA on September 16, 1925. His childhood years were spent in the Ireton, Boyden and Sheldon areas. He attended grade school in Ireton, receiving an Honorary diploma from Sheldon High School in 2001. Gilbert joined the United States Army, serving his country from 1944 to 1946. He was a Seargent in the 21st Infantry Division in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre during WW II. Following his military discharge, Gilbert returned home and married Margaret Ann Mulder in Sheldon on February 22, 1950. Together, they farmed northeast of Archer their entire married life, and were blessed with four children; Ronald, Karen, Galen and Diane. Margaret passed away February 14, 1994. Gilbert married Bonnie (Jansen) Chrisman on March 1, 1996. He was a member of the Archer Reformed Church where, in years past, he taught Sunday School and Catechism, as well as serving many terms as a deacon and an elder. He was a member of the American Legion Post #145 in Sheldon, IA, and had served on the Board of Directors at Archer Coop Grain. Gilbert enjoyed farming and woodworking, crafting many projects for family and friends. He also liked to stay current with FOX News. Gilbert passed away peacefully at his home in Archer on June 12, 2013. He lived 87 years, 8 months, 27 days. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Bonnie; one daughter, Karen (Phil) Zoet of Hull, IA; one son, Galen (Patty) Vollink of Sanborn, IA; son-in-law, Claude (Nancy) Struve of Sheldon, IA; daughter-in-law, Cher Vollink of Sheldon, IA; Bonnie’s son, Glenn (Nancy) Chrisman III of Sheldon; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Jeanette Roetman of Hospers, IA; brother-in-law, Marion (Lenora) Mulder of Sheldon, IA; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Margaret; son, Ronald Vollink; daughter, Diane Struve; granddaughter, Monica Zoet; two brothers, Herman and Fred Vollink; and three sisters, Dorothy Vander Bilt, Cynthia Roskamp and Alma Andringa. Celebration of Life Gilbert A. Vollink Born ~ September 16, 1925 Died ~ June 12, 2013 Age ~ 87 years 8 months 27 days Funeral Service 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2013 Archer Reformed Church Archer, Iowa Clergy ~ Pastor Jeremy Wiersema Pianist ~ Michelle DeKok Special Music DeKok Quartet ~ “Find Us Faithful” Congregational Singing Processional ~ “Blessed Assurance” #345 “Great Is The Lord” #131 Recessional ~ “Hallelujah Chorus” Pall Bearers Brian Vollink Craig Vollink Kyle Struve Bob Reisch Ryan Sage Jeremiah Lohrman Trevor Seibold Ushers George Blankers ~ Wayne VanRoekel Interment East Lawn Cemetery ~ Sheldon, Iowa Military Graveside Rites by American Legion Post #145 Sheldon, Iowa