Garden Chapel Funeral Homes

02/17/2026

Betty Van Maanen

Betty Van Maanen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, at the Oskaloosa Care Center. She was born on April 14, 1930, in Leighton, Iowa, to her loving parents, Henry M. Rempe and Dena Van Engelenhoven.

Betty's life was marked by dedication to her family and community. On December 27, 1950, she married Kenneth Van Maanen in a ceremony held at the Ebenezer Reformed Church in Leighton, Iowa. Together, they enjoyed a rich and fulfilling marriage that lasted for 73 years, anchored in love and mutual respect.

As a devoted housewife and farmer's wife, Betty found joy in raising her family. Once her youngest son left home, she stepped into a new chapter of life, working as a substitute teacher at the Christian Opportunity Center. Education was important to her, and she had graduated from Pella High School in 1948, having attended Leighton grade school through the 8th grade.

A woman of faith, Betty took great pleasure in her involvement with music at the Ebenezer Church, where she participated in the Lydia and Dorcas Circles. She was also an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and volunteered often at Bibles for Missions Thrift Center, contributing her time and talents to the organizations and her community.

Betty will be deeply missed and cherished by her family, which includes her children and their families: Larry Van Maanen (Jan Squibb) with grandchildren Amanda Franje (Nathan) and Sarah Hartson (Jeremy); Jeff Van Maanen (Kris Vandenberg), with grandchildren Carrie Ross (Perry), Ryan Van Maanen (Amy), and Matthew Van Maanen (Heidi); and Keith Van Maanen (Jan Falberg) with grandchildren Katrina (Parker Roberts), Kenny Van Maanen (Emily Hanlon), and Erik Stephenson (Amy Forand). Each of her grandchildren brought joy to her life, and she cherished her role as their grandmother.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth, her father Henry Rempe, her mother Dena Rempe, her sister Clarice Roozeboom Steenhoek, her brother Henry Rempe, her parents-in-law Charles and Elizabeth Van Maanen, and her sisters-in-law Junella Conrad, Bernice Van Maanen, and Charlotte Drost.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, and a commitment to family that will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. Betty Van Maanen's spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her as they reflect on her extraordinary life.

Those left to cherish her memory:

Larry (Jan Squibb) Van Maanen

Amanda (Nathan) Franje

Sean, Elisha, Jed, Aaliyah, Rhema

Sarah (Jeremy) Hartson

Taylor Hartson (Leigh Peterson)

Jacob (Mallory) Hartson

Hope, Judah, Selah

Jeff (Kris Vandenberg) Van Maanen

Carrie (Perry) Ross

Andersen, Copelyn

Ryan (Amy) Van Maanen

Alyvia, Josiah, Miley, Truett

Matthew (Heidi Miksch) Van Maanen

Ethan, Nolan, Quinn, Ronan, Lena

Keith (Jan Falberg) Van Maanen

Katrina (Parker) Roberts

Pierce

Kenny Van Maanen and Emily Hanlon

Erik Stephenson and Amy Forand

Memorials may be given to Ebenezer Church or Legacy Thrift (Bibles for Missions).

View Betty Van Maanen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/17/2026

Scott Leinen

Scott Leinen, a cherished son, brother, father, and grandfather, passed away on February 14, 2026, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House. He was born on August 5, 1954. Scott's life was well-lived, characterized by his dedication to family, his career, and an array of hobbies that fed his interests and passions.

Scott's professional journey was anchored at Precision Pulley and Idler in Pella, Iowa, where he served as a machinist for 23 years, following multiple machinist positions prior to that. He retired in 2012, leaving behind not only a legacy of hard work but also the respect of his colleagues.

Education was important to Scott. He graduated high school in 1972 from the Malcolm Price Laboratory School at the University of Northern Iowa, an achievement that set the foundation for the industrious and skilled individual he became.

Outside of work, Scott's interests flourished. He spent his childhood exploring the great outdoors on family camping trips to Pine Lake, Backbone State Park, the Black Hills, and Wisconsin. His love for nature continued throughout his life as he enjoyed fishing, gardening, and landscaping. Known for being a tinkerer and fixer, Scott derived great joy from working with his hands on various projects.

He wore his passions proudly, notably as a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Cubs. His joyful spirit was matched by an extensive collection of Hawaiian shirts, which he donned daily, regardless of the time of year. Scott was also a dedicated viewer of the game show Jeopardy, enjoying the challenge of outsmarting friends with his quick wit and knowledge.

Family was the cornerstone of Scott's life. He relished attending the activities of his grandchildren at Pella High, where he spent many hours cheering for them as they played soccer and basketball, and celebrating their performances with the Marching Dutch.

Scott is survived by his three children: Jessica Held (Marc) of Pella, Iowa; Emmy Leinen (Joe) of Knoxville, Iowa; and Alex (Tashia) Leinen of Newton, Iowa. He took immense pride in his grandchildren, Grace Held and her fiancé Riley Heilskov, Isaac Held and his fiancé Sophie Milligan, Jorden Held, Jaysa Leinen and her fiancé Josh Babb, and Deklynn Danley, as well as his great-grandson, Indy Leinen.

Scott is also survived by his siblings, including his brother Gary Leinen (Sarah) of Bozeman, Montana, and sister Kim Heimann of Newton, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon (Bill) Leinen, and mother, Grace Leinen, as well as his brother-in-law, Ray Heimann.

Scott Leinen's legacy is one of hard work, devotion, and a vibrant presence that will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

View Scott Leinen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/07/2026

Mark McConeghey

A brief Celebration of Life Service for Mark McConeghey, age 77, will be held at 1:00 pm, Sunday, February 15, at the Prairie City Church of the Brethren Fellowship Hall, in Prairie City. There will be a visitation and lunch following the service until 4:00 pm. The Garden Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mark Steven McConeghey, son of Paul and Henrietta McConeghey, was born on November 2, 1948, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He grew up in the Monroe area, attending all twelve grades of school there and graduating in 1966. He went on to pursue a degree in Business at the University of Iowa, laying the groundwork for a life marked by curiosity, hard and varied work, and a willingness to explore new paths.

On June 6, 1969, Mark married Jane Sherwood, beginning a partnership that spanned 56 years. Together they raised three children—Amy, Aaron, and James.

Mark was a man of wide-ranging interests and a lifelong eagerness to learn from books and from people. His entrepreneurial spirit led him into a variety of business ventures, from owning and managing Duncan’s Cafe to farming, real estate, and investing. No matter where his pursuits took him, he remained firmly connected to the Monroe area, always keeping at least one foot in the world of agriculture and the other foot looking for adventure. With every endeavor, he proved and reproved that it was a good thing that he never worked for anyone else.

Mark grounded his life in his Christian faith while keeping his mind alert to the worlds of science, history, and sports—especially the Iowa Hawkeyes. He took pride in thinking deeply, considering problems from unique angles, and approaching life with both independence and imagination. He read widely, traveled enthusiastically, and embraced every opportunity to understand people, places, and ideas beyond his own experience. Among his greatest joys was being a grandfather; he delighted in watching his grandchildren learn, perform, compete, and grow into themselves.

He passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House on February 6, 2026, at the age of 77 after a brief illness.

Mark is survived by his wife, Jane; his children Amy (Shawn) Burk, Aaron (Mickey) McConeghey, and James (Pati) McConeghey; his sister Jan (Ron) Steenhoek; his seven grandchildren Alexis (Brady) Ramker, Hailey Burk, Cole Burk, Lauren Burk, Abbey McConeghey, Merritt McConeghey, and Cecilia McConeghey; his sisters-in-law Marcia McConeghey and Judy Sherwood; his step-sister Donna Richie; and his seven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Henrietta McConeghey; his step-mother, Doris McConeghey; his brother, John McConeghey; and one nephew.

Memorial contributions may be directed to: Hospice of Pella, Gideons International, or the Prairie City Church of the Brethren.

View Mark McConeghey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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