Gene Edwin Meppelink

PELLA — Gene Meppelink, 72, of Pella, went to be with the Lord Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at Pella Regional Health Center after suffering a major stroke on Friday, Oct. 9.He was born Aug. 25, 1937, in Oskaloosa, the oldest son of Herman Paul and Emma (DeBruin) Meppelink. Finding school difficult because of what he later learned was dyslexia, he acquired his G.E.D. with the loving help and support of his cousin, Erma (Boender) Dalton. She preceded him in death Aug. 8, 2008. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his father on Jan. 10, 1985, and his mother on April 20, 1995.After having worked at Vermeer, Ring-0-Matic, and farming with his Dad and his brother, Marvin, as well as helping other farmers for a time, he bought his own farm near Melcher. He lived and worked there for many years before moving back to Pella when he retired in November of 2005.He lived at Pella Manor and North Hilltop before moving to Jefferson Place Memory Care in October, 2008. He enjoyed visiting with the other residents, the Hymn Sing on Sunday afternoons with Marge Van Haaften, and the companionship of Jake, J.P., and Lily, the three resident cats.He is survived by his two brothers and their wives, Marvin and llene Meppelink, of Pella, and Alven and Shirley Meppelink, of Oskaloosa; a nephew, David Meppelink, of Cedar Rapids; three great-nephews, Aaron, Nicholas, and Matthew Meppelink, of Cedar Rapids; two step-nieces, Maria (and Bruce) Terlouw of Pella, and Vivian (and Doug) Vriezelaar of Otley; and two step-nephews, Ken Vander Voort of Pella, and Kevin (and Rachael) Vander Voort of Center Point; 14 step-great-nieces and nephews, one step-great-great-nephew, and one step-great-great-niece. He is also survived by his "DeBruin Cousins" and their spouses, Vera (and Glen) Van Roekel, of Ottumwa, Glen (and Sue) DeBruin, Ron (and Shirley) DeBruin, and Linda (and John) Kersbergen, all of Pella, and Dorrell Dalton of New Brighton, Minn.The body has been cremated and no service is planned. A celebration honoring Gene's life for family and friends wilt be held at a later date.