Jeanette Van Kekerix

Rock Valley, IA: Jeanette Van Kekerix, 94, of Rock Valley, Iowa, died Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Whispering Heights of Rock Valley. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 2, at 10:30 AM at Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley with Rev. J.J. Witvoet of the Netherlands Reformed Congregation officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.porterfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/jeanette-van-kekerix. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Public viewing, with no family present, will be held Monday, May 1, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home. A lunch will be held at the First Reformed Church fellowship hall (1501 16th Street in Rock Valley) following the committal service.

   Jeanette Van Kekerix, daughter of Maas and Hattie (Bleyenberg) Vande Hoef, was born October 19, 1928, on the family farm near Ireton, Iowa. She attended school through the 8^th grade and then worked at an egg processing plant and later a grocery store in Sioux Center, Iowa. Jeanette then met Bert Van Kekerix and the couple was united in marriage in Sioux Center on January 31, 1951. Together the couple made their home west of Rock Valley, Iowa where they farmed until Bert’s death on August 10, 1978.

   Jeanette remained on the farm until moving into Rock Valley in 1988. While living in town, Jeanette spent time volunteering with Meals On Wheels and also worked in the laundry department at Hegg Health Center. Jeanette enjoyed crocheting, puzzles, and playing games with family and friends. She cherished time spent with her family. Jeanette was a lifelong member of the Netherlands Reformed Congregation.

   Jeanette is survived by her 4 children, Arlin (Geneva) Van Kekerix of Rock Valley, Marilyn (Harley) Berentschot of Inwood, Karen (Delbert) Cox of Rock Valley, and Berwyn (Kristi) Van Kekerix of Rock Valley; 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; 2 step grandchildren; 3 step great-grandchildren; sister, Henrietta Van Beek of Rock Valley; sisters-in-law, Marge Lems of Inwood and Gracie (Albert) Van Grootheest of Rock Valley.

   Preceding Jeanette in death were her parents, Maas and Hattie Vande Hoef; husband, Bert Van Kekerix; granddaughter, Julie Van Ginkel; 3 brothers; 3 sisters; 7 brothers-in-law; and 4 sisters-in-law.