Marvin Van Der Wal

Oskaloosa. Marvin Van Der Wal, 79, of Oskaloosa, died Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. He was born Friday, March 1, 1946, in Pella, Iowa, the son of Jake and Delia (Wielaard) Van Der Wal. Marvin graduated from the Oskaloosa High School with the class of 1964. Following high school he went to work at Pella Corporation. On June 6, 1969, he was united in marriage to Vickie Van Klaveren at the St. Paul United Church of Christ. Following their marriage Marvin worked at Western Freight in Ames, Clow Valve, and Holiday Station Stores. In 1973, he returned to Clow Valve in Oskaloosa. He retired from there in 2013, after 40 years of service. Marvin had a passion for automobiles and especially working on and racing many types of race cars. He started in the racing world when he was young, with his brother and passed his love of racing through to the next generations. It was a great joy for Marvin to work in the shop and go racing with his sons. He was a mechanical genius and excellent fabricator. He was a member of the International Motor Contest Association, the National Hot Rod Association, the American Speed Association & NASCAR. In addition to his many racing exploits, he also enjoyed traveling and reading car and racing related books and magazines.
His family includes his wife of 56+ years, Vickie Van Der Wal of Oskaloosa; two sons and their wives, Curtis and Jeanna Van Der Wal and Cory and Laura Van Der Wal all of Oskaloosa; nine grandchildren, Connor Van Der Wal, Cole Van Der Wal, Hayden Van Der Wal, Brecken Van Der Wal, Landon Van Donselaar, Hayden Van Donselaar, Owen Van Donselaar, Grayson Van Der Wal, and Norah Van Der Wal; his brother, Jerry Van Der Wal of North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Carl (Wilma) Van Der Wal.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Pastor Darren Melton officiating. As was Marvin's wish his body has been cremated. Visitation will begin Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 1:00p.m. and the family will be at the funeral chapel to greet friends and relatives until service time at 3:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to: Lil' Racer Car Club PO Box 311 Lone Tree, IA 52755.