Gary Charles Van Beek

Rock Valley, IA: Gary Charles Van Beek, 73, of Rock Valley, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be held Monday, March 24, at 11:00 AM at Faith Reformed Church of Rock Valley. The service can be livestreamed at https://faithrv.com/. Private family burial will be held prior to the service at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Visitation with the family present will be held Sunday, March 23, from 3:00-5:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley.

  Gary Charles Van Beek was born on January 9, 1952, at Rock Rapids, Iowa, to Nick and Adrianna (De Wit) Van Beek. He grew up in Rock Valley, Iowa, where he attended and graduated from Rock Valley High School. A gifted athlete, Gary excelled in sports throughout his high school years and went on to play fastpitch softball, competing at a high level for many years.

  On June 1, 1970, Gary married the love of his life, Fonda Van Zanten, in Canton, South Dakota. That same year, he joined the Air National Guard, serving his country from 1970 to 1976. Following his service, he worked alongside his father on the family farm before transitioning into insurance sales and eventually a career in long-haul trucking.

  Gary had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and found great joy in golfing, fishing, and hunting. However, his greatest happiness came later in life with the arrival of his grandchildren. His love for them was unmatched, and they quickly became the center of his world.

  Above all, Gary loved Christ. His faith was unwavering, and his hope rested fully in Him. He knew that his hope in Christ was perfect and all he needed. He was fully aware that his salvation was secured in the free grace of God through the blood of Christ alone. His common response to “How are you doing, Gary?” was “Well…. My sins are gone.” While he will be dearly missed, his family and friends take comfort in knowing he is now in the presence of his Savior.

  Gary is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Fonda; 3 sons, Barry Van Beek of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Chris (Rachel) Van Beek) of Rock Valley, and Eric (Katie) Van Beek of Sioux Falls; 7 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; brother, Jim Van Beek of Rock Valley; sister, Clara Ann (Dick) Bleyenberg of Rock Valley; mother-in-law, Mary Van Zanten of Rock Valley; and sister-in-law, Joyce Van Beek of Rock Valley.

  He was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Adrianna; brother, John Van Beek; and father-in-law, John Van Zanten.