Laurel Van Polen, 89, of rural Rose Hill, died Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at her home near Rose Hill. She was born on May 20, 1922, in Poweshiek County the daughter of Cecil Chester and Flossie Brannian Willett. On March 2, 1940, she was united in marriage to William Van Polen, Sr. at Brooklyn, Iowa; he died May 6, 2004. Laurel worked on the farm side by side with William, she loved being a farm wife and the farm lifestyle. She raised seven children on the farm, and was always very nurturing, everyone was always welcome in her home. She always had coffeetime ready for anyone who may stop by for a visit. She was a member of the Rose Hill Community Church. She enjoyed gardening and canning. She also enjoyed tending to the outdoor animals.

She is survived by four sons: William (&Judith) Van Polen of Eddyville, Jim (&Marjorie) Van Polen of Bussey, Robert (& Leann) Van Polen of Bussey, and Jerry Van Polen of Eddyville; two daughters: Lorraine (& Allan) Beyer of Monroe, and Donna Van Polen of Chicago, Illinois; 15 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; one great great grandson; and a brother: Delmar Willett of Brooklyn.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter: Mazie Rouw; a granddaughter: Brenda Nichols; and a brother: Charles Willett.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Reverend Del Bittner officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Friday morning after 11 in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Friday evening to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Rose Hill Community Church.