Derrel L. Van Mersbergen

Derrel L. Van Mersbergen: Derrel passed away late Tuesday afternoon, May 6, 2003 of an acute stroke at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, IA, at the age of 58 years, 6 months and 12 days. Derrel was member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa, where he served as a deacon. He served as regional representative for The Back to God Hour and was instrumental in starting The Back to God Hour Faith Line. In the early 70's he promoted the Christian Film ""The Cross & the Switchblade"" as a way to bring the gospel to young people in urban areas. He was also a member of the Ag Conference Center in Hedrick. Derrel L. Van Mersbergen, son of Marius (Mose) & Marjorie Vander Schaaf Van Mersbergen was born in Oskaloosa on October 24, 1944. He was a 1958 graduate of the Oskaloosa Christian School. On April 20, 1965, he married Kathy Meinders in Pella, IA. He sold life insurance for Life Investors for 12 years, while living in Leighton. He started farming near Fremont, IA in 1976; his son later joined him in operating the family farm, and they continued farming together until the time of his death. Derrel loved life and lived it to the fullest each and every day. His first and foremost love was for the Lord, which was most evident through his devotion to his family. Many of his most memorable times were those spent with his children and grandchildren. Other favorite interests included traveling, airplanes, and the family farm. His generosity had no end, and his compassion for others will never be forgotten. Derrel's memory is honored by his wife, Kathy; three daughters & a son: Patty & her husband, Todd Zylstra of Pella; Stuart Van Mersbergen and his fiancée, Roxie McVay of Fremont; Valerie & her husband Jason Bandstra of Oskaloosa; and Kimberly Van Mersbergen of Brooklyn, NY; by his two grandchildren: Zachary & Alexa Zylstra of Pella; by his mother, Marjorie Van Mersbergen of Oskaloosa; two brothers: Norman & his wife, Vickie Van Mersbergen of Cedar; and Gary Van Mersbergen of Charlotte, IA; and two sisters: Mary & her husband, John Roose of New Sharon and Florene and her husband, Brian Tucker of Pensacola, FL. His father preceded Derrel in death. PDF Printable Version

Derrel L. Van Mersbergen

October 24, 1944 - May 6, 2003