Albertha Francis Moorlag

ROCK VALLEY, IOWA ~ Albertha F. (Van Zanten) Moorlag, 90, of Rock Valley, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Hegg Health Center in Rock Valley.

   A private family graveside service will be at Valley View Cemetery at Rock Valley, with Rev. Matthew Haan officiating. The Porter Funeral Home in Rock Valley is assisting the family. 

In Loving Memory of Albertha Francis Moorlag

 Albertha Moorlag was born on October 15, 1933, to Tony and Fannie (Zwiers) Van Zanten. She grew up on the family farm near Rock Valley, Iowa. Albertha went to meet her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ on April 24, 2024.

 Although Albertha was an integral part of many lives, young and old, her demeanor was polite, humble, and self-effacing. She was beautiful both inside and out, gracious, a leader, and she loved her Lord passionately. 

 Albertha leaves a strong legacy of dedication to early childhood development over a long and distinguished career. She received a teaching degree from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan and then taught at Rock Valley Christian School for 3 years. She married Dick Moorlag on December 27. 1955. To this union two precious children were born who died in infancy, Debra and David.

 Dick and Albertha moved to Denver, Colorado in 1960 where she taught at a private preschool and Denver Christian School. They moved to Florida for one year where she taught at Lake Worth Christian School. Upon returning to Denver, Albertha worked as a teacher/researcher in conjunction with Colorado University. She taught at Kent County Day School for two years, and then as a teacher, researcher, and worked on Accreditation for Colorado Academy, a prestigious private school.

 In the 70’s the couple moved to Loveland, Colorado, where Albertha had accepted a position at Thompson Valley Preschool, a new non-profit program to fulfill the needs of an affordable preschool program for all families in the community. 

 Albertha touched and shaped the lives of numerous peers, friends, and children she met during her lifetime. She had a wide range of influence in the field of early childhood education. Albertha left a legacy through Thompson Valley Preschool which she founded and directed for 30 years with her vision of educating and providing affordable access for young children, and as a Quality Support Coach training teachers for 10 years, through the Early Childhood Council of Larimer County. She was also active in local early childhood organizations and conferences, participated in national trainings, and co-authored articles relevant to the field.

 Albertha was a member of Calvary United Reformed Church in Loveland for over 40 years. She offered long term support services as a guide and teacher with Crossroads Prison Ministry Program for 22 years.

 Albertha was also very dedicated to teaching Sunday School, Bible School, and other programs over the years at Sun Valley Mission Church in Denver.

 In 2021 Albertha and Dick moved back to their roots in Rock Valley, Iowa, to be closer to family. Her nephews and nieces remember how much fun it was when they were young to go to Albertha’s house, where she always made it fun and a learning experience. People who are now in their 70’s still recall what a great teacher she was from the start.

 Albertha is survived by her husband of 68 years, Dick Moorlag; her siblings, John (Mary) Van Zanten, twin Albert (Harriett) Van Zanten of Rock Valley, Iowa, Vern (Geneva) Van Zanten of Pella, Iowa, and Rev. Tony (Donna) Van Zanten of Buffalo Grove, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 She was preceded in death by infant daughter Debra and infant son David; parents Tony and Fannie Van Zanten; parents-in-law Albert and Rolena Moorlag; and brother and sister-in-law Cornie and Wilma Van Zanten.

Condolences may be sent to Dick at 712 Westview Drive #204, Rock Valley, IA 51247. Memorial Gifts payable to the Albertha Moorlag Memorial Fund will work in conjunction with the Larimer Child Care Fund to provide child scholarships to families who need financial help to pay for child care. Checks can be mailed to: Larimer Child Care Fund, c/o United Way of Larimer County, 525 West Oak Street, Ste 101, Fort Collins, CO 80521. Alternatively, contributions can be made on the following link: https://impact.uwaylc.org/alberthamemorial.