Wilbur R. Veenstra

Wilbur R. Veenstra was born June 15, 1929, to Richard and Gertie (Vander Molen) Veenstra in Mahaska County.

Wilbur was a graduate of Peoria Christian Grade School, then worked as a hired hand for farmers in the Peoria area. Later he was a truck driver for Peoria Stockyards.

He made profession of faith as a young man at Peoria Christian Reformed Church. Wilbur served as deacon and elder and was a faithful and active member of Leighton Christian Reformed Church. Wilbur was a member of the Leighton Lions Club. He served as a board member of the Garden Chapel Funeral Home Co-op.

Wilbur was united in marriage to Marilyn De Cook, on October 12, 1955, at her parents' home west of Leighton. They farmed for a few years and then moved to an acreage northeast of Leighton in 1966, and was a partner in C &W Truck Line in Oskaloosa. Later he was employed at Oskaloosa Livestock Inc. In 1995, they moved to Pella. He was semi-retired and they spent a few winters in Donna, Texas. Wilbur loved Christian fellowship, playing games, and spending time with family - his grandchildren were special to him.

Wilbur is survived by his wife Marilyn Veenstra, their children and their families: Larry and Mary Veenstra, Bruce and Jeannene Veenstra, Linda and the late Kevin De Ronde, and Curt and Rochelle Veenstra; eleven grandchildren; and fourteen great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Bernice and Ralph Van Soelen of Newton, John Veenstra of Oskaloosa, and Gretta Veenstra of Pella.

He was preceded in death by his parents Rich and Gertie Veenstra, his brother Marion Veenstra, and his son-in-law Kevin De Ronde.

Funeral services were held on January 11, at the Leighton Christian Reformed Church. Memorials may be given to Pella Christian Grade School or Oskaloosa Christian Schools. The Garden Chapel Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.