Gertrude Van Den Heuvel, 96, of Oskaloosa and formerly of rural New Sharon, died Thursday, January 26, 2012, at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa. She was born August 14, 1915, at Otley, Iowa, the daughter of Garrett and Alleta Verros Uitermark. Early on she went to work cleaning homes and later worked for Tucker's Grocery store in Harvey. On September 1, 1936, she was united in marriage to Henry Van Den Heuvel at Pella; he died September 22, 1995. Following their marriage, she stayed home to care for her family. After her children were raised she went to work at Younkers in Oskaloosa. Lastly she worked for Kids Carousel in Oskaloosa for many years. She also volunteered at the Mahaska Hospital Auxiliary Snack Bar. She was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa where she was involved with Ladies Aide. She was also active in Neighborhood Club, and the Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing Rook, trips to Branson, going to Kalona for meals, and coffeetime with her friends. She was very talented at doing ceramics, she won many awards with her handiwork. She also made porcelain dolls for all of her granddaughters. She delighted in spending time with her family.
She is survived by her three sons: Jaren (& Linda) Van Den Heuvel of Oakton, Virginia, Larkin Van Den Heuvel of Ottumwa, and Hollis (& Ann) Van Den Heuvel of What Cheer; 7 grandchildren: Howard (Marian) Van Den Heuvel, Heather (Bradford) Fuller, Thomas (Laurie) Van Den Heuvel, Ryan (Keri) Van Den Heuvel, and Corey (Lyndsay) Van Den Heuvel, Jeannie Van Den Heuvel, and Holly (Adam) Brink; 12 great grandchildren; two sisters: Leona Vermeer of Pella and Julia Kamerick of Pella.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: Floyd Uitermark and Matt Uitermark; two sisters: Dorothy Van Essen and Harriett DePenning.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. in the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Dale Visser officiating. There will be a family prayer service at 10:45 Saturday morning in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Private family burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery at Pella prior to the funeral ceremony. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Friday after 12 noon in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel on Friday evening from 5-7 to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the Ladies Bible Hour at the First Christian Reformed Church.