Garden Chapel Funeral Homes, 1301 Main Street, Pella, IA (2026)

04/08/2026

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1301 Main St, Pella, IA 50219

04/06/2026

Marty Rickard

Marty Rickard, 88, son of Ralph and Mary Jane (Ellett) Rickard, was born in Grinnell, Iowa on December 26, 1937. Marty was the second of five children and was raised in Grinnell and later Gilbert. He graduated from Gilbert in 1955, and later attended college at William Penn, Iowa State, and Southern Mississippi.

In 1959, he married Janice Newenhouse. They had three children: Rebecca, Chip and Amy. Soon after, he served in the U.S. Army. Later they moved to Charles City where he began his career in journalism. He worked for the Charles City Press, Mason City Globe Gazette, and Davenport Times Democrat. In 1967, they moved to New Sharon, where they owned half-interest in the New Sharon Star. Later they sold that and purchased the local Dairy Creme. After running the Dairy Creme for seven years, Marty and Janice started a long and successful 20-year career in the photography business, which led to many awards, publications, and speaking engagements. Even though he was successful in many ventures, his heart was always in writing. Throughout his life, he wrote poetry, short stories and novels. He was an avid skier, traveling around the world chasing powder. He developed his love of fishing from his father and carried that through his entire life. Even though he would occasionally fall in, it never stopped him from making frequent fishing trips to the pond. Marty spent the last 15 years in Pella where he was proud of his family. Nothing gave him more joy than supporting his grandchildren and attending their activities.

Marty is survived by his family:

Becky (Dave) Campbell, Grimes, Iowa

Summer Campbell

Chip (Rebecca Gierhart-Rickard) Rickard, Cincinnati, Ohio

Katrina Fulmer

Amy (Danny) Steenhoek, Pella, Iowa

Jakob (Alicia) Steenhoek

Teddy, Charlotte

Lukas (Carrie) Steenhoek

Mia, and baby boy

Sophia (Brett) Bauman

Taylor

Janice Rickard, Pella, Iowa

He is also survived by his siblings Nancy Hose and Mike (Nancy) Rickard.

Marty was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Mary Jane Rickard, his sisters: Roberta (Dick) Verwers, and Carol (Jerry) Skjordal.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Pella.

View Marty Rickard's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/30/2026

Tammy Emerson Wheeler

Tammy Jo Emerson Wheeler was born January 29, 1972, to Don and Gwen (Jankord) Emerson in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Throughout her career Tammy worked as a nurse.

Tammy is survived by her son Austin Emerson, parents Don and Gwen Emerson, and husband Bradley Wheeler.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

View Tammy Emerson Wheeler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/17/2026

Joyce Vandenberg

On March 15, 2026, Joyce Elaine Vandenberg at age of 83 was welcomed at Heaven’s gate by her friend Jesus. Joyce was a wonderful wife, mom, sister, aunt, neighbor, friend and was an inspiration to many. She cherished being a grandma and great grandma and seeing them made her smile even brighter. She adored all children (blessings) she came across in her life. Joyce was born in Oskaloosa, IA on October 7, 1942. She grew up on her parents’ farm in Leighton, IA where she attended grade school and attended high school in Pella, IA. In high school Joyce met Ron Vandenberg and they married in 1960. They were married for over 60 years before Ron’s passing in 2022. Together they welcomed two children into the world, Mark and Lori. In 2022 Joyce moved into the Cottages in Pella where she remained until her passing.

Joyce had many talents and hobbies. She loved riding her bicycle all over Pella, playing and coaching softball and attending craft club. Sewing was a great passion for her. The “Created by Joyce” label was attached to many things including all styles & types of clothing, wedding apparel, quilts, window treatments and her renowned Dutch costumes. If something were made of fabric, she could fix it or create it. She also loved to crochet and knit and often wanted to take photographs. Joyce was an extraordinary cook and baker. Her family and friends always ate well with a variety of great food. She also canned meat and fruits & vegetables. Made Dutch letters, candy and monster cookies and brought her signature caramel rolls to every family event and holiday. Joyce was always up for trying something new in the kitchen or with her sewing machines. She loved dessert most of all and her favorite treat was ice cream, only made better with strawberries on top. “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream,” she would say.

As a long-time member of Third Reformed Church, Joyce enjoyed weekly worship, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, picking up church attenders before service with Ron and the senior trips with the Pillars group. Joyce’s faith was her anchor, and she demonstrated God’s love to everyone she met. “Have a wonderful and blessed day” was her regular greeting to friends and strangers. Her kindness showed in all she did and Joyce always made the best of her current circumstances. She was grateful for even the simplest of things in her life and received immense joy in helping others in any way possible.

She loved being a waitress at the Central Park Café, Strawtown Inn and Pella Golf and Country Club. Joyce loved socializing with her customers and developed many long-term relationships through her work.

On a sunny Sunday afternoon Joyce enjoyed taking a motorcycle ride with Ron. They often ended their day with a Hallmark movie. One of her favorite annual activities was visiting her parents in Florida during the winter. Some of Joyce’s most memorable adventures were with sister-in-law Delores Van Rees.

Joyce loved her family and is survived by her children, Mark (Brenda) Vandenberg, Lori Vandenberg, grandchildren Brandon (Kelsy) VanderLeest, Lynnae (Kyle) Ellenwood, great-grandchildren, Brielle, Klayton, Skylynne, Calum and Denver along with her brother Steve DeCook of Johnston, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband Ron and her parents, Steve & Mildred DeCook. While we grieve Joyce’s passing, we also honor the love, joy, humility and kindness she embodied. Grief reflects the depth of our love.

Memorials for Joyce may be directed to Pella Community Foundation.

View Joyce Vandenberg's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/14/2026

Eleanor Groth

Eleanor was born April 11, 1933 in Shelby, Iowa. Throughout her life, Eleanor, - affectionately known as Ellie – demonstrated a unique combination of creativity, kindness, and dedication that profoundly impacted those around her.

Ellie’s early years were characterized by a playful imagination, exemplified by an endearing companionship with her pet skunk named Sammy. She dressed Sammy in doll clothes and took him for rides in a buggy. Ellie later pursued higher education at the University of Iowa before embarking on a professional journey that included serving as a receptionist for Massey Ferguson in Des Moines. Later, Ellie embraced a career as a perfume model, where she combined grace and presence to represent products elegantly.

Beyond Ellie’s professional pursuits, she was passionate about fashion, community service, and hospitality. Ellie made significant contributions to the Welcome Wagon program in Fort Madison, Iowa, warmly assisting newcomers and exemplifying a spirit of neighborliness.

Ellie is lovingly remembered by her family. She is survived by her devoted son, Steven C. Foulke, and his wife Cynthia of Sarasota, Florida and Unionville, Missouri; her grandchildren Stephanie VanVleet and her husband Brandon, Christopher Foulke and his wife Jessica, Alayna Foulke and her fiancé Clay Kern; as well as her great-grandchildren Mason, Presley, and Harper Van Vleet, who brought joy to her later years. Also honoring Ellie is her sister-in-law, Beverly Groth.

Ellie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Phillip Groth and brother-in-law, David A. Groth; her parents, Frank and Eola (Borland) Wunder; her parents-in-law, Irling and Lucille Groth; and her brothers Frank Jr., Robert Wunder, and her twin brother Eldon Wunder.

View Eleanor Groth's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/13/2026

Ronald Wauters

Ron was the son of Achiel Wauters and Helen Van Otegham Wauters. He was born on February 12, 1949, in Grinnell, Iowa, and passed away March 13, 2026 at the age of 77. He was a graduate of Victor, Iowa class of 1967 and met his wife, Cherie Cronbaugh, during their high school years. They were married at St James Lutheran Church in Victor, Iowa and were married 38 years.

Ron was the CFO at Pella Regional Healthcare Center for 42 years. Ron loved his work and his community. After retirement he spent a lot of time outdoors on his acreage. He loved planting trees and building Bluebird houses and spending time with family and friends and playing Pickleball.

Ron's connection to Pella and the greater community were great. He served honorably in the Army Reserves and was a member of the Victor American Legion. Ron’s faith played an important role in his life as a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Knoxville, Iowa.

Those left to honor Ronald’s memory are his wife, Cherie of Pella, and their children:

Christine (Dan) White, Oxford, Iowa

Nick Gates, Sam Gates, Ellie White

Stephanie (Bob) Williams, Barrington, Illinois

Bobby, Charlotte

Aaron (Mandy) Wauters, Geneva, Illinois

Will, Nolan

Blaine (Kato) Wauters, Woodruff, Wisconsin

Leighton, Eavan

Ron is survived by his siblings: Marilyn Collum, Joe Wauters, Jerry Wauters, a beloved Aunt, and cousins.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents: Helen and Achiel Wauters, Jennie Wilson (stepdaughter), Crystal Van Waus (sister-in-law) and Dennis Moon (brother-in-law).

Memorials may be given to the Hospice of Pella.

View Ronald Wauters's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/11/2026

Thank YOU, Pella PTO, for all that YOU do for our schools!!!! Garden Chapel is proud to partner with so many awesome groups in our town.

We are incredibly thankful for Garden Chapel Funeral Homes for sponsoring meals for our teachers during conferences!

Conference days are long, and this kindness helps our teachers stay energized while meeting with families and supporting our students.

Thank you for supporting Pella Schools and our community! 💚

03/10/2026

Irvin Vink

Irvin Eugene Vink was born October 28, 1945, to Nicholas and Bertha (Schimmel) Vink.

On September 30, 1982, he was united in marriage to Rhonda Gail Rigg, in Pella, Iowa.

Irvin worked for Vink Construction and the Pella Community School District. Irvin was a loyal husband, loving father and grandfather. Irvin loved living life to the fullest. Irv loved fishing, woodworking, grilling, mushroom hunting, gardening and their dog BooBoo.

Irvin was a member of the Pella First Reformed Church. Those left to cherish his memory are his family:

Irv’s Family:

Shawn (Janine) Vink of Orlando, Florida

Ethan

Curt (Robin) Vink of Pella, Iowa

Calandria (Marcus) Devers

Aaliyah, Kensli, Zayn

Alek Vink

Brayden Vink

Eric Burkland, Pella, Iowa

Andrew, Paige

Brandi (Billy) Clark of Newton, Iowa

B4, Ben, Cayden, Camden

He is also survived by brothers Verlin (the late Carrie) Vink, and Nicholas Vink, sister-in-law Carol Rigg, and many nieces and nephews.

Irv was preceded in death by his wife Rhonda Gail; his parents Nicholas and Bertha Vink; his parents-in-law Robert and Lorrean Rigg, and brothers-in-law Thomas (Fran) Rigg, William Rigg, and Robert Rigg.

Memorials may be given to the family.

View Irvin Vink's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/07/2026

Kathryn Jean Crawford

Kathryn Jean (Anway) Crawford was born May 21, 1929, to Harold Anway Sr. and Wilma Dennis in Charles City, Iowa.

On September 22, 1951 she was united in marriage to Donald Crawford Sr. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They met at Iowa State University.

Kathryn was self-employed most of her career as an artist, seamstress, and art teacher, She later worked at Boomsma Egg and Produce and Jaarsma Bakery. Kathryn was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Kathryn first attended Cedar Rapids High School and later graduated from Iowa State University in the College of Home Economics, with a major in Applied Art.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren:

Donald (Ellen) Crawford Jr.

Erin (Nevo) Crawford, Zachary (Sarah) Crawford

Yoav, Eitan

Cheryl (Dennis) Waits

Colin (Nicole) Waits, Lucas Waits, Chelsea (Casey) Linn

Porter, Leah, Dean, Anna

Caroline Crawford

Nile (Kendra) Vorbrich, Sadie Vorbrich, Dane (Courtney) Vorbrich

Olivia, William

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents and brother.

Memorials may be given to the Marion County Humane Society.

View Kathryn Jean Crawford's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/05/2026

Freddie Schmidt

Freddie Wayne Schmidt was born June 28, 1933, to Francis and Lenora (Kooistra) Schmidt, near Searsboro, Iowa.

He attended school in New Sharon through his freshman year and later graduated from Sully High School, where he was an All-State running back and also played basketball. Fred was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954, was a sharpshooter and marksman, and was honorably discharged in 1956. His patriotism and love of country lasted throughout his lifetime.

On June 16, 1953, he was united in marriage to Helen Vander Leest in Sully, Iowa. Together they welcomed six daughters and later numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren during their 72 years together. Fred was fiercely dedicated to his family.

Fred was unflappable and a lifelong champion of the underdog. He accepted Christ at age 14 after seeing a televised Billy Graham crusade. His dedication to serving others and his humility were hallmarks of his walk with Jesus, a faith that shaped how he treated everyone he met.

His love of sports continued throughout his life. He played men’s fast-pitch softball, coached his girls in softball, ran the clock for many years at L-S football and basketball games, and loved watching his grandkids play sports.

Fred owned and operated Schmidt Lumber for more than 60 years. He also served his community in many ways. He was a member of the Sully Lions Club, served on the Sully City Council and the Jasper County Board, was a prolific blood donor, and was a member and deacon at Sully Community Church.

Helen once quipped that Fred was so friendly he could talk to a fence post. He treated everyone the same and cared deeply about truth and justice.

Fred loved animals and the outdoors. He spent many hours hunting and fishing with friends, children, and grandchildren. He also enjoyed playing cards with friends and sharing funny stories. One friend said, “Every time I saw Fred I laughed and learned something or remembered something true.”

Fred’s life was defined by his faith, his dedication to family, and his quiet, steady presence. Whether running the clock at a game, winning another hand of cards, or casting a fishing line with grandchildren, he left a lasting mark on the people and community he loved.

Fred passed away on March 4, 2026, just six weeks after his beloved Helen. He was surrounded by his daughters, and we know the first face he saw clearly in many years was Jesus.

Those left to cherish his memory:

Jacqueline Sue Van Wyk

Heather (Matt) Zylstra

Noah (Ashley)

Eleanor, Murphy, Jolene

Sage, Lily Helen

Heidi (Jeff) Corbett

Elizabeth (Mason) Gannaway

Mia

Abigail, Sophia, Benjamin, Hudson

Nathan (Elizabeth) Van Wyk

Samuel, Jude, Ava, Rowan

Jocelyn (Steve) Beyer

Kristal (Derrick) Christopherson

Jamie Beyer

Jerilyn (Dwight) Van Weelden

Eric (Amy) Van Weelden

Ashlyn, Shae, Brody

Troy (Josey) Van Weelden

TJ, Clara

Derek (Allison) Van Weelden

Sheldyn, Barrett, Wyatt

Kaylee (Scott) Thornhill

Elliott, Evangeline, Theodore

Joelyn William (Andy) Hutchins

Bailey, Caleb, Drew

Janna (Jim) Goodrich

Zachary (Mari Anna) Goodrich

Hosannah (deceased)

Bonnie, Shiloh

Emily (Gabe) Tramm

Chloe, Lucia, Mable

Miriam (Josh) Johnson

Landon, Colton, Willow, Ember, Juniper

Janel (Mike) Hay

Malcolm, Jakeira

Fred was preceded in death by his wife Helen, parents Francis and Lenora Schmidt, parents-in-law Cornelius and Mary Vander Leest, great granddaughter Hosannah Goodrich, grandson-in-law Steve Squires, and all his siblings: Mary Lois (Earl) Vande Krol, Barbara (Bob) Sexton, Norma Jean (Bruce) Conover, and Sam (Rosemary) Schmidt.

Memorials may be given to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or the East Iowa Bible Camp.

View Freddie Schmidt's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/05/2026

Rebecca Meyer

Rebecca Ann Meyer was born February 2, 1965, to Melvin and Doris (Neal) Foster, in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

On November 3, 1990, she was united in marriage to Craig S. Meyer, in Pella.

Becky worked for Vermeer for over 35 years until 2024, when she focused full time on her newest journey. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, Becky was full of life, in fact many would say she was a regular "Fireball"

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband Craig and their family:

Stephen and Jamie Meyer, Marion, Iowa

Ella, Hazel, Adria, Hudson

Jordan and Paige Meyer, Cincinnati, Ohio

Kinzley, Emery, Drew, Logan, Oakley, Ozzie

Mackenzie Meyer & Harlow (dog), North Liberty, Iowa

Carrie Meyer & Lulu (dog)

Becky is also survived by her brothers: Steve Foster of Oskaloosa, Tim (Patty) Foster of Oskaloosa, and Gary Foster of Bellevue, and her mother Doris Foster.

Becky was preceded in death by her father Melvin Foster, and parents-in-law Donald and Donna Meyer.

Memorials may be given to the family.

View Rebecca Meyer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/03/2026

Arland Lamb

Arland Dale Lamb, born on June 27, 1967, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, passed peacefully on March 2, 2026. He was the beloved son of Norman and Violet (Schakel) Lamb, who preceded him in death. Arland grew up in What Cheer and Oskaloosa, where he attended schools and later graduated from Pella High School. His early years were marked by perseverance despite the challenges he faced, and as he matured, he developed a remarkable spirit dedicated to helping others.

Arland's professional journey included roles at Pella Community Hospital, Swine Service in Monroe, and Git & Go Gas Station, where his kindness and willingness to support those around him shone brightly. He found true companionship and joy when he married Mari Jo "Boogaloo" Riddle on February 22, 2008, in a heartfelt ceremony at the Knoxville Court House. Together, they shared an endearing relationship characterized by playful teasing and laughter, embodying a deep love that brought warmth to their lives.

Faith was an important aspect of Arland's existence. He was baptized by Rick Cowman at the Federated Fellowship Church in Pella, and he cherished Psalm 23, finding solace and strength in its comforting words. Arland had a passion for fishing, often enjoying this beloved activity alongside his wife, Jo. His enduring spirit was further supported by the strong sense of community fostered by their neighbors at Fair Haven West, who provided an outpouring of love and encouragement through both good times and difficult challenges.

Arland found profound comfort during his health struggles when Jo would sing "Jesus, What a Beautiful Name," bringing him peace amidst adversity.

He is survived by his wife Mari Jo Lamb, his children: Brittany, Brady, Brianna and Blake, grandchildren: Sofia, Ryker, Blaine, Ava, Claire, and Asher; and his sister, Dorothy (Fuller) Lamb. He was also preceded in death by his siblings: Doug Blommers, Judy (Penman) Blommers, Carl Blommers, Norman Lamb, Gary Lamb, and Jane (Sneller) Lamb.

Arland's spirit of kindness, humor, and love will be deeply missed, but his impact on the lives of his family and friends will continue to resonate with all who had the privilege of knowing him. Memorial services to honor Arland’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to Mari Jo Lamb.

View Arland Lamb's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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