John Henry Van Zanten

Rock Valley, IA: John Henry Van Zanten, 94, of Rock Valley, Iowa, passed away peacefully Friday, January 24, 2025, at Whispering Heights in Rock Valley. A funeral service will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Trinity Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley. The service can be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/4077519. 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 Wednesday, January 29, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Trinity CRC.

  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hope Haven or Kingdom Boundaries Prison Aftercare. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley.

  John Henry Van Zanten, son of Tony and Fannie (Zwiers) Van Zanten, was born June 24, 1930, at Rock Valley, Iowa. He was perfectly named John which means “God is gracious”. In addition to the grace God showed John throughout his life, John was gracious, generous, devoted, loving and kind to his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, siblings, loved ones, friends, and those less fortunate. John had a big heart and was always looking for ways to be of service to others. John passed away peacefully and awoke in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, January 24, 2025. 

  John grew up in Rock Valley, Iowa and graduated from the 8th grade at Rock Valley Christian School. John married the love of his life, Mary Kooistra, on July 3, 1950. A bond that the Lord blessed for nearly 75 years. John and Mary were blessed with 5 children, Diana, Fonda, Barbara, Terry, and Bonnie.

 John worked at Kooima Machine Works for 20 plus years, retiring in 1975. John was an entrepreneur and amazing businessman who helped start countless businesses in and around Rock Valley. Some of the many companies he was involved in were Valley State Bank, Peoples Bank, Rock Mill Industries, Quality Machine Products, Valley Machine, and many more. Because of his empathy and love for the helpless and those left behind, John co-founded Hope Haven, Justice for All, Cornerstone Prison Ministry along with Metal Craft Industries inside the prison, and Kingdom Boundaries Prison Aftercare. He lived by the words of Matthew 25:36-40. He befriended those he helped and developed close relationships with them including a special bond with his friends Roger Morehead and George Veenendahl.

 When he wasn’t busy with his philanthropy work, John enjoyed nothing more than owning farmland, raising cattle, collecting classic cars, and having horses. Although his greatest love was spending time with Mary. John was also heavily involved in the church. He was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church of Rock Valley where he served in consistory and later was a charter member of Trinity Christian Reformed Church of Rock Valley where he once again served in consistory.

 John was loved and will be dearly missed by those that knew him. He formed a legacy by loving the Lord and loving others. Even just days before his passing, John was asking Mary if there was more they could do for those in need. Well done, good and faithful servant.

  John is survived by his wife, Mary; 4 children, Diana Vanden Bosch of Rock Valley, Fonda (Gary) Van Beek of Rock Valley, Terry (Rhonda) Van Zanten of Deadwood, South Dakota, and Bonnie (Tim) Van Otterloo of Rock Valley; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Albert (Harriett) Van Zanten of Rock Valley, Vern (Geneva) Van Zanten of Pella, Iowa, and Rev. Tony (Donna) Van Zanten of Buffalo Grove, Illinois; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

  Preceding John in death were his parents, Tony and Fannie; daughter, Barbara Brummel; brother, Cornie (Wilma) Van Zanten; and sister, Albertha (Dick) Moorlag.