Gerrit Vander Stelt

Gerrit Vander Stelt, age 97, passed away peacefully at home on March 2, 2025 surrounded by family and staff of Christian Health Care Center.
Gerrit was born in Sioux Center, Iowa on May 1, 1927 to John and Cornelia (Van Donkelaar) Vander Stelt. Gerrit lived in Iowa until he enlisted in the Army on March 1, 1946. He served until May 4, 1947. He took basic training in Fort Lewis, WA and the remainder of his service was spent in California at various bases there.
When he left the army Gerrit spent a short time working with his father learning upholstery in Sioux Center however there was not enough work so he moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan to seek employment. During his time in Michigan he went to visit his cousins in Brooten, Minnesota over a 4th of July Holiday. During that visit he met the love of his live Tracy Zylstra. She walked into church one Sunday, Gerrit elbowed his cousin and said, "that's the girl for me!" They married in Brooten on October 24, 1951 and welcomed 4 children Gary, Kevin, Karen and Dale.
Gerrit opened an upholstery shop in Brooten and being a born salesman it grew into a small furniture store where he partnered with another Dutchman John Phillipsen and built a larger building just outside of Brooten. Both being proud Dutchman in the midst of a highly populated Norwegian area they (of course) named the store The Wooden Shoe! With the larger building they added carpet sales to the furniture they sold. Gerrit having knowledge of upholstery quickly taught himself to lay carpet which became his profession while also operating the store.
In 1977 Gerrit sold his share of the Wooden Shoe and moved with Tracy, Karen & Dale to Lynden where he managed & operated Alsum & Bode Floor Covering. Within a few years he purchased the store and continued to operate it. Gerrit never slowed down, after selling the business he picked up upholstery projects again and also laid carpet well into his 80's and upholstered into his 90's.
Gerrit and Tracy enjoyed 73 years of marriage; they were dedicated to their church, family, dear friends and relatives.
Gerrit is survived by his children Gary (Kristine) Vander Stelt, Kevin (Jane) Vander Stelt, Karen Vander Stelt, and Dale (Melisa) Vander Stelt. Grandchildren Aaron (Brenda) Vander Stelt, Jason (Toni) Vander Stelt, Adam Vander Stelt, Eric (Amanda) Vander Stelt, Max (Kiara) Trickett, Jackson Vander Stelt, Hope Vander Stelt, 13 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren, Sisters Johanna Hielkema of Sibley, Iowa, Dorothy Van Der Weide and Betty Lou (Rod) Van Der Weide of Maurice, Iowa, Sisters-in-law Jesse Van Hofwegen of Lynden, WA and Wilma Vander Stelt of Maurice Iowa. Also, many nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Gerrit dearly.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
There will be a viewing at Gillies on March 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. followed by a private burial. Funeral services will be held March 10th at Third Christian Reformed Church at 11:00 a.m.