RICHARD VAN GORP
RICHARD VAN GORP
Richard William Van Gorp, the son of Richard and Gertie (Miedema) Messamaker, was born on July 19, 1943, in Pella, Iowa. Richard’s father passed away when he was a young boy and his mom married Ray Van Gorp, who adopted and raised him. He graduated from North Mahaska High School in New Sharon “Class of 1961”. Richard served in the United States Marine Corp from March of 1962 until his honorable discharge in July of 1966 – serving 4 years during the Vietnam War.
On June 2, 1969, Richard was united in marriage with Donna Olson at the Thor Lutheran Church. The couple made their home and raised two daughters in Thor. Richard worked for Corn Belt Power Co-Op in Humboldt for 39 years.
Richard was an active member of Ullensvang Lutheran Church in Thor and served on the church council. He loved the outdoors – fishing and camping, his grandchildren and was a Hawkeye Football Fan!
Richard passed away on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, at Southfield Wellness Community in Webster City, at the age of 75 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Messamaker and Ray and Gertie Van Gorp and aunts, uncle and other relatives.
Survivors include his wife, Donna Van Gorp of Thor; daughters, Jen Larsen (Lance) of Eagle Grove and Kim Slagle (Chuck) of Webster City; four grandchildren: Dakotah Halstead, Megan Larsen, Connor Slagle and Blake Slagle; special cousin, who was more like a sister, Linda Ver Heul (Marvin); brothers-in-law, Butch Olson (Paula), Ron Olson and Dean Olson and sisters-in-law, Shirley Vinnece, Joyce Ruberg (Warren) and Maurene Spellmeyer.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, August 6, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at Ullensvang Lutheran Church in Thor with Pastor Darryl Landsverk officiating. Burial will be in West Ullensvang Cemetery near Thor.
Memorials may be directed to discretion of the family.