Jerry Van Daele, 76, of rural Fairbank passed away Saturday November 23, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be from 1:00-4:00 PM on Sunday December 1, 2024 at the Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home in Oelwein. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM on Monday December 2, 2024 at the funeral home. Interment will be in Fairbank Cemetery at Fairbank. Memorials may be directed to the family for designation for track construction at Wapsie Valley High School.
Jerry Robert Van Daele was born in Oelwein on March 8, 1948 to parents Robert and Maxine (Gardner) Van Daele. Jerry graduated from Wapsie Valley High School with the class of 1966 and then attended the University of Northern Iowa for two years in Accounting. On October 19, 1968 he was united in marriage with Lynn Marie Kane at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairbank. Jerry served his country honorably in the United States Army Reserve from 1966-1972.
Jerry was a life-long farmer. Moving back to the family farm in 1979, he enjoyed working side by side with his sons. Throughout his life, Jerry worked with other leaders and board members to support and improve his community both present and future. Jerry was employed at Chamberlain Manufacturing for 27 years. During his time he served on the Credit Union Board, Credit Committee, and Cafeteria Committee. While working in Waterloo Jerry also delivered tires for Don's Trucks in Fairbank. When Chamberlain Manufacturing closed he started ITSI in Cedar Falls. Education was always a priority. Jerry was the longest serving member of the Wapsie Valley School Board and shepherded the school during a time of elementary and rural facility transitions. Jerry was a founding member of Parkview Assisted Living before assisted living became common. Over the years Jerry supported his church as an education leader, board member and janitor. Faith was very important to Jerry. Jerry’s joy was spending time with grandchildren, family and friends. Long conversations with anyone were a specialty.
Left to celebrate Jerry’s life are his wife Lynn; his children: Dr. Douglas (Vance) Van Daele of Iowa City, Aaron Van Daele of Fairbank and Eric Van Daele of Fairbank; his grandchildren: Ryan, Gracee, Sophia and Vance Douglas; his in-laws: Rick (Deb) Kane, Rod (Karen) Kane, Lori (Rod) Zuck, Lou (Jeff) Milks, Rustie (Lori) Kane, Lanett (Sharon Duclos) Kane, Lisa (Rick) Meier, Robbi (Kelly) Kane, Ross (Laura) Kane and Rollie (Melissa) Kane; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law Ralph and Verla Kane.
