Virginia Margaret Van Gorkom

Virginia Margaret Van Gorkom: Virginia passed away Monday morning at the Lake Mills Care Center in Lake Mills, Iowa at the age of 89 years, 5 months and 20 days. Memorials may be made in her name and will be designated at a later time. Virginia was employed in various secretarial jobs throughout her life; she was employed by a candy distributor in Oskaloosa and May's Drug Store; during WWII she served as a secretary in St. Louis, MO; and after the war, while living in Melcher-Dallas, IA, she worked for the Iowa Tax Office in Des Moines. Virginia's favorite job was secretary to the Dean of Students at William Penn College in the 1960's. She loved every student and became an instant ""MOM"" to all of them. Virginia was a very active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Oskaloosa, where she served as secretary and lay worker for many years. Her greatest love was taking communion to church members unable to attend church. She was active in many community service activities throughout the years and was also a longtime member of the Oskaloosa League of Women Voters and the American Legion Auxiliary. Virginia enjoyed crossword puzzles, knitting, cooking and band concerts in the park. She will be remembered for her love of life, and her enjoyment and caring for family as well as friends. Her family remembers with love all the meals both served and delivered during holidays by Virginia's loving hands. Her brother, Ray, enjoyed her Italian pasta, polenta and schmorn. Many time her ""taxi service"" added chairs to family meals. Virginia's parents emigrated from Austria in 1897, and Virginia loved keeping track of her family heritage. Virginia Margaret (Gasperi) Van Gorkom was born to James and Louise Gasperi January 27, 1917, in Des Moines, IA. Virginia received her education in the Oskaloosa school system, graduating from Oskaloosa High School in 1934. She furthered her education at William Penn College in Oskaloosa. She was united in marriage to Elmer Van Gorkom, June 22, 1942, in Bethany, Missouri. Left to cherish all the good memories are her son, Dennis R Van Gorkom and his wife, Maureen of Lake Mills, IA and a daughter, Margaret Beake and her husband, Robert of Scottsdale, AZ; four grandchildren: Michael Van Gorkom of Santa Monica, CA; Mark Van Gorkom of Lake Mills, IA; Alison (Beake) DeSpong and her husband, David of Scottsdale, AZ and Bradford Beake of Scottsdale, AZ; her brother, Ray Gasperi and his wife, Norma of Oskaloosa; a sister-in-law, Thelma Gasperi of Largo, FL and numerous nieces and nephews. PDF Printable Version

Virginia Margaret Van Gorkom

January 27, 1917 - July 17, 2006