John Van Donselaar

John Van Donselaar, 83, of New Sharon, died Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at his home. John Junior Van Donselaar, the eldest son of Lewis Herman and Jennie (Van Engelenhoven) Van Donselaar, was born October 17, 1937. He started his education at Lincoln School in Oskaloosa and, after his parents moved to Wright, finished it at a country school in Wright. After completing his education, John helped his dad on the family farm. During this time, he joined the Iowa National Guard and served several years. He soon began his career as a welder at PAMCO in Oskaloosa and eventually became the welding supervisor. On November 2, 1962, John married Leona Rae Edel, and they made their home on a farm north of Oskaloosa. In addition to farming, John started a portable welding business, Van Donselaar Portable Welding, and operated it for over 30 years. John owned a horse and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren ride, and he loved attending horse shows and horse sales. He also enjoyed tool and equipment auctions and coffee time with his friends at the Family Restaurant. It was not uncommon to see John driving his pickup with his dog at his side. His family includes his wife of 58 years, Leona; his children: Steve (Diana) Van Donselaar of Otley, Doug (Lynette) Van Donselaar of New Sharon, Don (Jolene) Van Donselaar of New Sharon, Stuart (Cindy) Van Donselaar of New Sharon, Rod (Robin) Van Donselaar of New Sharon; and Kristyn Van Donselaar (fiancé, Joe Phearman) of Kellogg; 12 grandchildren: Joshua (Heather) Van Donselaar, Sarah and Hannah Van Donselaar, Cody (Kelli) Van Donselaar, Dylan (Allison) Van Donselaar, Emily Van Donselaar, Ryan, Grant and Kaitlyn Van Donselaar, Mason, Graham and Livia Van Donselaar and four great-grandchildren: Zeke, Reagan, Haley, and Wyatt; his siblings: Leona “Mae” (Henry) Van Arkel of Oskaloosa, Arnold (Ileen) Van Donselaar of Oskaloosa, Ralph (LaVonne) Van Donselaar of Oskaloosa and Paul (Shirley) of Oskaloosa; and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services for John will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Bethel Christian Reformed Church, with Rev. Doug Van Der Pol officiating. Burial will be in Black Oak Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday evening, at Bethel Christian Reformed Church, and the family will greet visitors during this time. According to the rules put in place by the Iowa Department of Public Health, proper social distancing and appropriate personal protective equipment are advised for attending these public events. Memorial contributions honoring John’s life can be made to the Mahaska County Saddle Club. Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with John’s final arrangements.

John Van Donselaar

October 17, 1937 - April 21, 2021