Matilda Vermeer

Matilda Vermeer

Pella, Iowa

Matilda Vermeer passed away Saturday at Jefferson Place in Pella at the age of 94 years. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the Faith Christian Reformed Church in Pella. Visitation for Matilda Vermeer will begin at 9:00 a.m.on Wednesday at the Faith Christian Reformed Church where the family will be present between the hours of 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Their desire is that memorial contributions in her memory be designated for either the Pella Christian Grade School or Pella Christian High School in Pella or World Renew, formerly the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee.

Matilda Van Gorp was born on February 14, 1920, near Pella. She was the middle of five children that were born to John M. and Minnie Blom Van Gorp. She and her four siblings: Gertrude, Edward, Evelena and John, grew up on the family farm east of Pella and were raised in a farming community with strong Dutch roots. On February 14, 1941, she was united in marriage with Gerrit (Gary) Vermeer, son of Jacob (J G) and Anna Elsie Haven Vermeer. Gary and Matilda started their lives together with 120 acres of farmland. On this land, in 1953, they built a new, modest home, which remained their home throughout their married lifetime.

Matilda was a devoted and selfless wife and mother, who also adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was content and unassuming as a farmer's wife, both straightforward in her honesty, while at the same time lovingly embracing. As the wife of Gary Vermeer, later the founder of Vermeer Corporation, the couple enjoyed providing new experiences to others, as well as traveling themselves. Matilda's giving spirit was evident throughout and she was a master at hospitality. Her gifts were demonstrated in ways both big and small, locally and worldwide. Their generosity often focused on poverty relief, advancing education, promoting health and extending the influence of the church universal.

Matilda will be remembered for her unconditional love for her late husband, Gary J. Vermeer, who passed away February 2, 2009, their three children and their spouses: Stanley J. Vermeer and Alma of Pella, Robert L. Vermeer and Lois of Pella, Mary A. and Dale Andringa of Mitchellville, eight grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren; her brother John Van Gorp and his wife, Dorothy and her sister-in-law Edith (Edward) Van Gorp; her brother-in-law John H. Vermeer and her sister-in-law Bernice (Harry) Vermeer all of Pella. Matilda exemplified an unshakeable faith and lived for the glory of God.