Mark Vander Stouwe

Mark Homer Vander Stouwe, age 73, of Sioux Center, Iowa, died Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Friendly Horizons Assisted Living in Sioux Center. 

Visitation will be held from 5 PM to 7 PM on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Memorial Funeral Home in Sioux Center.

A prayer service will be held at 10:15 AM on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Memorial Funeral Home. Interment will follow the prayer service in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Sioux Center.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Central Reformed Church in Sioux Center, with Rev. Roger Voskuil officiating.

 Mark Homer Vander Stouwe was born on May 22, 1951, in Le Mars, Iowa, to Henry and Marie Vander Stouwe. He was raised on the family farm south of Sioux Center and attended Sioux Center Community School.

On March 31, 1971, Mark married the love of his life, Judy Lynn Van Voorst, at Bethel Reformed Church in Sioux Center. They were blessed with three children: Eric, Melissa, and Monica. The couple moved to the family farm, where Mark devoted himself to caring for the land and animals.

A member of Central Reformed Church in Sioux Center, Mark enjoyed farming, snowmobiling, riding motorcycles, and camping with his family. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a cherished grandfather. His wisdom, humor, and gentle nature will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Mark's life was marked by strength, resilience, integrity, and love. Even in the face of Alzheimer's disease, he demonstrated an unwavering spirit, teaching all who knew him the true meaning of perseverance and unconditional love. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedication.

Mark moved into Friendly Horizons Assisted Living in August 2023. The family is immensely grateful for the loving care and support provided by the staff.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 53 years, Judy Vander Stouwe of Sioux Center, IA; three children, Eric (Tali) Vander Stouwe of Sioux Center, IA, Melissa (Matt) Sewell of Milford, IA; and Monica (Elvis) Sedelmeier of Waco, TX; eight grandchildren; Ella, Jacob, and Boden Vander Stouwe; Elijah and Leo Sewell; and Witten, Jemma and Maddox Sedelmeier; two brothers, Jay (Kay) Vander Stouwe and Ken (Lydia) Vander Stouwe; a sister, Jeanne Wimmer; sister-in-law, Bernice Vander Stouwe; sisters-in-law Lois (Lloyd) De Jong and Linetta (Mike) Pollock; brother-in-law, Ken (Sandy) Van Voorst; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Marie Vander Stouwe; parents-in-law, John and Tillie Van Voorst; brother, John Vander Stouwe; and brother-in-law, Howard Van Voorst. 

As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life and the countless beautiful moments we shared. His legacy will continue to inspire us, and we will honor his memory by carrying forward his values and love in our lives.