Lloyd E. Van Hemert

Lloyd Eugene Van Hemert, 80, of Oskaloosa, died Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. He was born June 20, 1943, in Pella, Iowa, the son of Marion Lloyd and Johanna Dirky Van Kalkeren/Van Hemert. He attended Pella Schools until entering the United States Marine Corps. He started his military career on April 12, 1961, at basic training in South Carolina. Following basic training he served in various places in the United States and Spain. He was honorably discharged on April 20, 1965, and had achieved the rank of Corporal E-4. On December 18, 1964, while home on leave from the military, Lloyd was united in marriage to Anna Rae Rozenboom in Pella, Iowa.
Lloyd started working at a very young age with a paper route he had as a child. Following school and his discharge from the Marine Corps. he went to work at Vermeer, first in Pella, Iowa and he took a job in Jackson, MI, and continued to work for Vermeer. After 10 years in Michigan the family returned to Pella to be closer to family. He owned and operated the Maid-Rite Restaurant for several years. The family moved to Oskaloosa and Lloyd went to work for his brother-in-law Jerry Rozenboom at DRS Trucking. After working at DRS, Lloyd decided to buy a truck and trailer of his own. He became an owner/operator and hit the road, which he did for the remaining years of his life until he retired 4 years ago. His final workplace was at Grubby's produce stand. He enjoyed interacting with customers and helping them pick the best watermelon.
He enjoyed tinkering in his garage, he also enjoyed boating, camping, NASCAR, yard work, his family getting together to play cards, he enjoyed all of his grandkid's activities but most all he took pride in sharing his family legacy with his grandkids. "Dad/ Grandpa" never met a stranger and will always be remembered by his ability to carry on a conversation with all, friendly banter as well as always having a big smile on face and an even bigger smirk. :)
His family includes his three children, Stanley (Brenda) Van Hemert of Oskaloosa, Douglas Van Hemert of Fairfield, and Renae (Digger) Gillam of Oskaloosa; 11 grandchildren, Nikki (Phil) Shilling, Katie Rozenboom, Zachary Rozenboom, Gina Van Hemert, Luke Van Hemert, Elizabeth (Alan) Lord, Scotimay Van Hemert, Cheyenne Van Hemert, Christopher Van Hemert, Cierra Gillam, and Dakota Gillam; 14 great- grandchildren, Samara, Cason, Braylee, Naveah, Layla, Alicia, Taylin, Alice, Evelyn, Carly, Emma, Vash, Ryane, and Harper, and many nieces and nephews.
Lloyd was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Rae on October 17, 2022; his parents; one son and his wife, Bob and Shelia Rozenboom; a grandson, Ryan Van Hemert, two brothers, Gary and John Van Hemert; one sister, Janice Cobler; four brother in-laws, Robert, Jerry, Donald, and Virgil Rozenboom; two sister in-laws, Jeanetta Dykstra and Geraldine Samson.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, March 8, 2024, at 10:00 in the Bates Funeral Chapel with Pastor Bev Modlin officiating. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Pella. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be begin Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with Lloyd's family present from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to greet friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be made to the MHP hospice Serenity House