Albert J. Van Beek

Rock Valley, IA: Albert J. Van Beek, 85, of Rock Valley, Iowa, died Monday, May 29, 2023, at Whispering Heights in Rock Valley. A funeral service will be held Thursday, June 1, at 10:30 AM at Faith Reformed Church of Rock Valley with Rev. Keith Sietstra officiating. The service can be livestreamed at https://www.faithrv.com/. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Public viewing, with no family present, will be held Wednesday, May 31, from 3:00-7:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley.

Memorials may be given to Sweet on Life and condolences may be left for the family at www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

   Albert J. Van Beek, son of John and Anna (De Kam) Van Beek, was born April 19, 1938, near Rock Valley, Iowa. Albert grew up on a farm near Rock Valley and attended country school through the 8^th grade. On August 4, 1959, he was united in marriage with Geneva Van Voorst at Rock Valley. Albert and his cousin co-owned a mechanic shop in Alvord, Iowa for 14 years. In 1974, Albert and Geneva moved to the Van Beek farm where Albert grew up. He farmed and was in the cattle buying business and would later dispatch trucks for K&B Livestock which he co-owned.

   Albert enjoyed camping and fishing, especially at Otter Tail Lake in Minnesota. However, nothing compared to the enjoyment he received having the grandkids over to the house or attending their events.  

   Albert is survived by his wife of 63 years, Geneva; 5 children, Brenda (Duane) Rus, Darwin (Gina) Van Beek, Linda (Paul) Van Kekerix, Leon (Sheila) Van Beek, and  Jason (Katy) Van Beek, all of Rock Valley; 15 grandchildren, Tara (Dwight) Berglund, Mike (Courtney) Rus, Trisha Kelderman, Preston (Samantha) Hoebelheinrich, Austin (RaeLee) Gregg, Shaelyn Gregg, Ross (Marissa) Van Kekerix, Bobbi Van Kekerix, Mandy (Trey) LaGois, Josie (Ross) Hoksbergen, Devin Van Beek, Carly Van Beek, Jackson Van Beek, Tyce Van Beek, and Emma Van Beek; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, John Van Beek of Rock Valley; sister, Gert Blom of Rock Valley; brother-in-law, Norm (Tweila) Van Voorst of Sioux Center, Iowa; and sister-in-law, Kathy (Stan) Patzer of Big Stone City, South Dakota.

   Albert was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna; parents-in-law, John and Greita Van Voorst; great-grandson, Kolter Gregg; brothers-in-law, Clarence Blom, Marv Van Voorst, and Dan Van Voorst; and sisters-in-law, Ethel Van Beek and Joyce Van Voorst.