Garden Chapel Funeral Homes

05/24/2026

Phyllis Zwank

Phyllis Zwank, a dedicated educator and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at Pella Regional Health Center. Born on June 15, 1944, to Bill and Velma (Brezo) Ahnen. Phyllis spent her life cultivating a love of learning and nurturing young minds, primarily through her teaching career in Alden Schools.

Phyllis’s journey in education began with her formative years at Richland Country School and Orient-Macksburg High School, culminating with graduating from Northwest Missouri State University. In addition to earning a degree, this is where she and Ronald Zwank met.

Phyllis was united to Ronald Zwank on August 29, 1965, at a country church in Bridgewater, Iowa. To this union, they were blessed with two sons. Phyllis and Ron, through sixty years of marriage, have learned to “forgive and to ask for forgiveness…and He is faithful to start making us new!”

Faith has always been a large part of Phyllis’ life. Growing up, she attended Avondale Methodist Church in Adair. Most recently, she was involved in many areas of the ministries of First Church in Pella.

Phyllis Zwank’s life reflects a deep commitment to education and community, leaving behind a legacy enriched by her kindness and dedication. Her memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Phyllis and Ron’s Family:

Brad Zwank of Pella

Candace (Jarrod Boone) Zwank

Brandon Zwank

Alexis Zwank

David (Debra) Zwank of Pella

Jakob (Emma) Zwank

Samuel

Holland Zwank

Phyllis is also survived by her sisters: Mary Jane (Robert) Young, and Barb Trieff; and her sisters-in-law Mardell Ahnen and Janet Ahnen. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers: Dean Ahnen and Dallas Ahnen.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Pella Pro-Life or the Our Daily Bread Ministries.

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05/24/2026

Kjierstan Schut

Kjierstan Ann Marcia Schut, a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026. Born on March 20, 1995, Kjierstan lived her life with an open heart and an infectious spirit, touching the lives of all who knew her.

A proud graduate of Prairie City Monroe High School’s Class of 2013, Kjierstan embarked on a path defined by hard work and dedication. Until recently, she owned and operated KJ’s Cleaning, her own cleaning business, demonstrating her entrepreneurial zeal and unwavering commitment to providing for her family.

Kjierstan’s greatest joy came from spending time with her loved ones. She adored her son, Jamesan, and held a special place in her heart for her daughter, Andylan, as well as her step-daughter, Hartley. Weston Witzenburg, the father of her children, was a special friend. Family was at the center of her world—she shared deep bonds with her parents, Jeff and Beth, and her siblings Josalan, Paytan, Lauran, Londan, and Calvan Schut. Her grandparents, Harlan and Bobbie Van Vark and Ron and Marcia Schut, along with her nephews, also knew well the warmth that radiated from her soul. Kjierstan is also survived by her fiance, Joe Freidel.

Kjierstan’s passions reflected the vibrancy of her spirit. She loved watching movies and found comfort and joy in the simple pleasure of cozy gatherings. Animals, especially cats, held a special place in her heart, revealing her nurturing and gentle nature. True to her unique style, she delighted in anything adorned with cheetah print, infusing her life with a bold and playful flair. Her love for spicy food and plants added to the colorful tapestry of her personality, showing her zest for life’s many flavors and growth.

Though Kjierstan’s presence is deeply missed, her memory shines brightly. She was preceded in death by her brother Austan, who passed on May 26, 2021, a loss that profoundly touched the family.

Today, we remember Kjierstan Schut not just for the roles she filled, but for the love she gave so freely and the joy she brought to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her spirit will endure in the hearts of those she adored and who adored her in return. May her memory be a blessing, a source of comfort and inspiration as they carry her love forward on this earth.

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05/22/2026

Mavis Vos

Mavis Vos was born September 13, 1939, to Gerrit J. and Grace (Wanders) Vande Kieft, in Tracy, Iowa.

Mavis attended Richland Country School west of Otley and was a 1958 graduate of Pella Christian High School.

On August 31, 1960, she was united in marriage to Ivan Vos at the First Christian Reformed Church in Pella. Mavis and Ivan were married for 40 years at the time of his passing in 2001.

Over the years, Mavis was a homemaker and worked for Central College, Pella Regional Health Center and Fair Haven for 30 years before retiring in 2012. She was very servant-hearted, always cooking, cleaning and caring for others on the side. Mavis was known for her gentle, sweet spirit and quiet smile.

Mavis was a woman of strong faith and was involved in church, Bible study, service groups, and quilting group.

Those left to cherish her memory are her family:

Lori De Joode, Pella, Iowa

Stacey and Trent Sikkema

Gannon, Cambrie

Dustin De Joode

Gail Vos, Urbandale, Iowa

Scott and Laurie Vos, Pella, Iowa

Regan Cooper and fiancé Andy Connell

She is also survived by her brother Robert and Anne Vande Kieft of Michigan and 16 nieces and nephews.

Mavis was preceded in death by her husband Ivan Vos, parents Gerrit and Grace Vande Kieft, parents-in-law Cornie and Henrietta Vos, brother Bud and Mary Lou Vande Kieft, sister-in-law Judy Vande Kieft, and Ivan’s siblings: Wilbur (Cornelia) Vos, Melvin (Lorraine) Vos, Erma Vos and Elva Vos.

A special Thank You to the staff of The Cottages for your compassionate care.

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05/14/2026

What questions do you have about funeral service? Burial? Cremation? What questions do you have about us? Come get all of your questions answered!!!

05/12/2026

Please come help us celebrate Glen's life on Tuesday, May 19, from 4-7 pm at Garden Chapel Funeral Home.

View Glen Miller's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/07/2026

Yes, we take Tulip Time pretty seriously around here! 😁

05/03/2026

Ernie De Jong

Ernest Lee “Ernie” De Jong was born November 30, 1929, to Cornelis and Goverdena (Klyn) De Jong in Monroe, Iowa.

On September 4, 1953, he was united in marriage to Jeanne Petersen, in the Methodist Church in Panora, Iowa. He was married to Jeanne for seventy years before her passing on September 4, 2023. To this union they were blessed with five children: Deborah, Teresa, Mike, Tom, and Scott.

Ernie was a graduate of Sully High School and attended Central College. He was drafted for the U.S. Army in 1951and served in the Korean War. During the Korean war, his job was part of a transportation unit. When he wasn’t busy driving a transport truck, he worked as a cook. He attained the rank of CPL and was honorably discharged in 1953. He then served in the Army Reserves for eight years.

After returning home from Korea, he worked for a company called Renaud’s Farm Services and was in the animal feed business for thirteen years. His job was mostly to grind feed for livestock. He later purchased his own feed grinder truck and went to various local farms to grind feed for the livestock. When the feed business came to a close, he accepted a job at Vermeer Manufacturing. He worked there for 30 years in the Yard Maintenance Department.

Ernie committed his life as a Christian. He was a member for over 70 years in the Christian Reformed Church, including the First Christian Reformed and Calvary Christian Reformed Churches. Ernie enjoyed traveling and went on short-term mission trips to China, Thailand, Philippines and Korea. He and Jeanne were very involved many years with the New Life Prison Ministry at the Newton Correctional Facility, as long as their health allowed.

Ernie had several interests, including sports (especially football), sponsoring Vietnamese Children, woodworking, volunteering at a local thrift store and participating in Bible Studies. After retirement, he spent much of his time in his woodworking shop making cabinets for many of his children, book shelves, dressers, tables, desks, baby cradles as well as toys, like rocking horses, tractors and doll beds.

Those left to cherish his memory: Deborah De Jong, Teresa and Darwin Van Wyk, Mike and Melody De Jong, Tom and Sherri De Jong, and Scott and Lisa De Jong; grandchildren: Brock and Elissa Maxwell, Bradley and Jessica Van Wyk, Korey and Jennifer Van Wyk, Krystal and Jordan Gowing, Kyle and Alli Van Wyk, Kristin and Jimmy Richtsmeier, Michael and Kristin De Jong, Ryan De Jong, Lindsey De Jong, Tyler and Michelle De Jong, and Collin De Jong; and great grandchildren: Silas James Gowing, Mara Evangeline Gowing, Ezra Lee Gowing, Elliana Rose Van Wyk, Cambria Jean Van Wyk, Eleanor Van Wyk, Zoey De Jong, Evi De Jong, Charley De Jong, Preston De Jong, Avery De Jong, and Lennon De Jong.

Ernie was preceded in death by his wife Jeanne and his parents Cornelis and Goverdena De Jong, brother, Nick De Jong and sisters, Sadie Albright and Dorothy Bokhoven.

A special thanks to the staff at The Cottages and the Wesley Life Hospice team for all of their love and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to New Life Prison Ministry.

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05/03/2026

Josiah Jeffrey Ridgway

Josiah Jeffrey Ridgway was born sleeping on May 2, 2026. His name means God Heals & God gives Peace; a prayer and a reminder to us at every mention of his name.

He is survived by his parents, Matt & Hannah Ridgway, siblings Elena, Barrett, and Benjamin Ridgway. Grandparents Jeff & Connie Ridgway and Jeff & Jo Ann Altheide. Aunts and Uncles, Daniel West, Megan West, Timothy & Rachel Ridgway, Allison & Walker Porterfield, Amber Altheide, & Caleb Altheide. Cousins Niya Damazo, Lauren Totel, Riley West, Olivia Totel, Jamisyn Murphy, Mason Totel, Adeline Porterfield, and William Porterfield, as well as a blessed family of great aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Josiah joins beloved family members who went ahead of him to Heaven: Great Grandfathers Forrest (Cap) Ridgway, James (Fred) Havens, Donald Altheide, and siblings: Peanut, Little Bun, Eva Jo Ridgway, and Jonathan Michael Ridgway.

A private family graveside service will be held at the Oakwood Cemetery in Pella.

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05/02/2026

Annette Dop

Annette Dop was born July 7, 1938, to Henry and Johanna (De Koning) Rooda, in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

On December 7, 1956, Annette was united in marriage with Gene Dop. They made their home in Oskaloosa, Iowa for a short time before moving to Hayward, Minnesota, for Gene's banking position. After leaving Hayward, they moved to Pella. Gene and Annette lived on a farm near Leighton, Iowa, for twenty-seven years. While living on the farm, their house burned down and they had to rebuild their home. Together Gene and Annette flipped many homes. Annette enjoyed many animals: sheep, goats, German Shepherds, raising hogs, but most of all CATS! She also enjoyed playing cards and traveling. She especially loved her kids, grandkids and great grandchildren. One of her hobbies was baking, she made the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies known to her all her family! She was never a party pooper.

Carroll Gene Dop passed away on Monday, January 17, 2011.

Those left to cherish her memory:

Douglas Gene (Deb) Dop of Missouri

Eric (Shell) Calvert

Dani (Shance) Twenter

Vivian

Bailey (Taylor) Calvin

Riley

Linda (Randy) Verhey of Leighton

Nick (Megan) Van Steenwyk - IA

Maelee, Allen, Wyatt

Brittney Jean Van Steenwyk - NC

Carissa (Clayton) Scheve

Mason, Alyssa

Marlys Dop DeLong of Roanoke, Texas

Nash (Erica) DeLong - NC

Re*****on, Riley, Harper

Tanner DeLong - CO

Austin (Shannon) DeLong - TX

Scottie Jane

Annette is also survived by her brother Sid (Dolores) Rooda of Pella, brother-in-law Don Dop of Kalamazoo, Michigan, sister Arene De Jong of Pella, Iowa, and many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Annette was preceded in death by her husband Gene, parents Henry and Johanna Rooda, parents-in-law Ralph and Carolyn Dop, sister-in-law Bev Dop, and brother-in-law Kenneth De Jong.

Memorials may be given to Pella Fire Department or Pella Community Ambulance.

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05/02/2026

Rhonda Vandenberg

Rhonda Marie (Livingston) Vandenberg, 69, of Leighton, Iowa, went to be with the Lord on May 1, 2026.

Rhonda was born on November 28, 1956, to Wilbur Dean and Kay (Sleeth) Livingston. She married Tom Vandenberg on June 7th, 2002.

Rhonda earned her LPN. She began her career working at Dr. Merrick’s office in Ottumwa, where she cared for patients for many years before later transitioning to Pella Corporation, where she continued to dedicate herself through her work.

Rhonda was an outgoing and warm-hearted person who truly enjoyed the simple things in life. She and her husband, Tom, loved spending time together in the country, whether at home or surrounded by their grandchildren or family members. Together, they enjoyed attending Oak Ridge Boys concerts, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and participating in church activities.

She also found joy in many hobbies, including bowling, camping, fishing, horseback riding, rodeos, hunting, and crocheting. Rhonda had a generous spirit and a big heart; she would do anything for anyone and touched the lives of many with her kindness.

Rhonda is lovingly survived by her husband, Tom Vandenberg of Leighton; her five children, Douglas Dean (Theresa) Livingston of Ottumwa, Roxanne Anderson of Fremont, JD (Ashley) Olinger of Hedrick, Sarah (Tony) Van Zee of Pella, and Becky (Ross) Way of Pella; She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Danna P***n, Dalacie (Amber) Livingston, Drake (Joanna) Livingston, Levi (Haley) Olinger, JT Olinger, Weston Olinger, Calista Anderson, Caliyah Anderson, Cayslee Anderson, Serenity Van Zee, Keegan Griffith, and Anniston Way. She was also blessed with one great-grandchild, Atlas Dean Livingston. Rhonda is also survived by her mother Kay (Sleeth) Livingston of Ottumwa, one brother Gary Dean Livingston, and one sister Joy Livingston.

She was preceded in death by her father, Wilbur Dean Livingston, and her grandparents, Clarence and Beatrice Sleeth.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Oskaloosa Care Center Memorial Account. Rhonda’s family is beyond grateful for the care she received over the past four years. A special thank you is extended to each and every caregiver who was part of her journey and who lovingly claimed her as their “favorite.”

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05/01/2026

Glen Miller

Glen Miller, born on July 30, 1951, passed away on April 30, 2026. His life journey spanned over seven decades, marked by the quiet dignity and steadfast resolve that those who knew him came to admire deeply.

Glen was a man of principle and integrity. Throughout his life, he exhibited a commitment to his values and an unwavering dedication to those around him. While the details of his personal and professional life are not extensively documented here, it is clear that Glen’s presence left an indelible mark on his community and all who had the privilege to know him.

Born in the early 1950s, Glen witnessed and navigated through significant historical and cultural changes, adapting with grace and resilience. His passing on April 30, 2026, brings sadness to those who held him dear and serves as a moment to reflect on a life well-lived.

Though specific familial ties and friendships are not listed, it is certain that Glen’s departure leaves a space felt deeply by his son Jackson who cherished his companionship and wisdom. His memory will endure in the hearts of all who were fortunate to cross his path.

As we remember Glen Miller, we honor a life characterized by strength, respect, and quiet influence. His legacy remains a testament to the enduring impact of living with purpose and kindness. May he rest in peace.

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