David Van Engelenhoven

David Van Engelenhoven

Orange City, Iowa

Mr. David Van Engelenhoven, 78, of Orange City passed away on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. on Monday at the Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City. The Rev. Dr. Brian Keepers and the Rev. Dr. Travis Else will officiate. Interment will be prior to the memorial service at the West Lawn Cemetery in Orange City. There will be a prayer service at 12:30 p.m. on Monday at the church. Visitation with the family will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at the church. The Oolman Funeral Home in Orange City is in charge of arrangements. You are invited to leave a message of condolence, print a memorial folder, view a tribute video, and participate in the service via livestream at www.oolman.com.

David was born on Jan. 10, 1943, in Morrison, Ill., the youngest of three sons born to the Rev. Everet and Clara (Plette) Van Engelenhoven. When he was still a child, his parents moved from Illinois to Iowa, living in Alton and Sheldon before settling in Orange City, where Dave graduated from the Orange City High School in 1961. He then enrolled at Northwestern College in Orange City and completed his bachelor's degree in 1965.

He was united in marriage to Marilyn Margene Docter on June 26, 1965, at the American Reformed Church in Orange City. The couple briefly lived in Akron while Dave completed his master's degree in European History at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. He and Marilyn then moved to Minneapolis, where Dave began working towards his doctorate at the University of Minnesota. He accepted a position at Morningside College in Sioux City as a professor of European history in 1968. Eight years later, he and Marilyn returned to Orange City, and Dave joined his brother, Paul, at the Van Engelenhoven Insurance Agency. Although he was no longer involved in the day-to-day operations, he was still a valuable source of knowledge to his successors.

Dave exhibited decades of commitment and generosity to the community and college he loved. He had a seat on the Northwestern College Board of Trustees, where he served as chairman of the board for several years. He was a frequent attendee at many Northwestern events, such as sports, music concerts, and the theater. He was also a member of Trinity Reformed Church, serving as an elder, a deacon, and a teacher. As an active member in the community, he participated in numerous organizations and volunteered his time on various committees and boards. This included the Orange City Development Board, the Tulip Festival Steering Committee, and the Orange City Lions Club.

Dave enjoyed summer days at the Iowa Great Lakes as well as trips to Lake Superior. Bayfield and the North Shore were a couple of his favorites. He and Marilyn enjoyed European and Canadian cruises together, as well as train adventures. He was an avid reader, especially Sherlock Holmes and English mysteries. An interest in farming and agriculture inspired him to be a great gardener. He was known to the neighborhood kids as "the Garden Guy." All aspects of history, both European and American, were intriguing and fulfilling for him. He was often found listening to gospel and big band music. More than all of these things, time spent with his family was Dave's greatest joy.

He was an extraordinary man, deeply loved by all who knew him. As a quiet, humble, and wise leader, Dave did not talk often, but when he did people listened. In battling numerous health issues, including cancer 16 years ago, Dave continued to show remarkable courage and strength. He was respected by colleagues, loved by friends and family, and was adored by his children and grandchildren. Most importantly, he displayed through his kindness, integrity, and faith that he was loved and redeemed by his Lord Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of Orange City; three children and their spouses, Paul and Ana Van Engelenhoven of Steamboat Springs, Colo., Juliana and Travis Else of Sioux Center, Iowa, and Benjamin and Jennifer Van Engelenhoven of Orange City; seven grandchildren, Thomas, Madison, and Serena Van Engelenhoven, and Ian, Sophia, Annie, and Isaiah Else; two brothers and their wives, Lee and Audrey Van Engelenhoven of Harrison, Ark., and Paul and Vernie Van Engelenhoven of Orange City; brother-in-law, Harold Docter of Mitchell, S.D.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife's parents, the Rev. Garret and Abby Docter; his sister-in-law, Lynne Docter; nephew Lee Van Engelenhoven, Jr.; and a great-nephew, William McQuillen.

Memorials may be given to Northwestern College in Orange City.