RAYMOND VANDER WIEL Cedar Rapids Funeral services for Raymond Vander Wiel, 82, of Cedar Rapids, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, at Cedar Hills Community Church in Cedar Rapids, with a live feed on the Facebook page of Cedar Hills Community Church. Ray died on Dec. 4, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids. A private burial will occur at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Noah's Ark Preschool in Cedar Rapids. Raymond was born on Feb. 26, 1938, to Gerrit and Anna (Stam) Vander Wiel at home on the family's farm in Prairie City, Iowa. He started school in a small country school near Vandalia, Iowa. The family moved to Pella, Iowa, and Ray attended Pella Christian Elementary School and Pella Christian High School, graduating in 1956. Ray attended Calvin College for his BA in education and earned his Master's degree from Michigan State University. He was married to Arlene Van Gorp of Pella on Aug. 6, 1958. The couple were devoted parents and grandparents and enjoyed camping, puzzles and games, spending time with good friends and being with family. Together, they spent countless hours creating a fun and creative learning environment at Noah's Ark Preschool. Arlene died on March 25, 2002. Ray worked for Cedar Rapids Schools as a teacher and administrator, then as an administrator with AEA 10 until he retired in 2003. Ray enjoyed creating and building all sorts of gadgets, inventions and practical things in his shop. He enjoyed activities as a family, including camping, trips, and church. He took pleasure in supporting and attending his kids and grandkids events. Most of all, Ray loved sleeping. Ray's faith was always an important part of his life. He was a member of Cedar Hills Community church for over 50 years, serving in numerous leadership roles. He remained active as a leader, teacher, and encourager. Ray was married to Shirley Rasmussen on April 3, 2003, in Cedar Rapids. In retirement they enjoyed traveling and camping in their RV, visiting friends, family and several national parks across the country. More recently, they loved the company of their two shih tzu pups, as well as their home at the Stoney Point Meadows community. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene; his father, Gerrit; mother, Anna; his brothers, Gerald, Frank and Henry; and his sister, Ruthie. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Vander Wiel; his sisters, Anna Mae Vander Wiel and Marjorie Keur; his children, Brenda, Scott (Linda), Kurt (Kara) and Russ Vander Wiel, and Dean, Diane (Tom) and David (Holly) Rasmussen; his grandchildren, Deanna (Nick) and Alexandra Lines; Janelle (Casey) Kinman, Jonathan (Amanda), Micah and Gerrit Vander Wiel; Logan (Lauren), Caleb (Claire) and Ethan (Delaney) Vander Wiel; and Taylor, Garrett and Elena Rasmussen; and his great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Asher Kinman and Juniper Vander Wiel.

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Published by The Gazette on Dec. 10, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Vander Wiel

5 Entries

Dale L. Strobel

December 11, 2020

I consider myself lucky to have been included in the many years of visits that Ray made to visit Brenda and the girls here in Utah! He was down to earth, easy going, adventurous, and tons of fun. It was an honor and a blessing to have known him. Love you guys!

Belinda (Bloor) Mulshine

December 11, 2020

My condolences to Kurt, Russ and the rest of your family. I remember your dad’s generosity in giving of his time to teach our Bible study in high school. I still recall some of the explanations he shared and his passion to teach us.

Shirley Wellington-Bruegge

December 10, 2020

Ray was such a special man. A caring, compassionate boss for many years at GWAEA he made work flexible and fun. There was no option to work from home until we adopted our son and he wanted to keep me employed. Ray made it happen. How many bosses come into your office and get down on their knees to beg you for a favor for some silly thing? He had such a big smile and great sense of humor. He and Al gave my husband the golden plunger award for a funny plumbing job. He and Arlene hosted many Christmas parties for our department.

Ray also acted as a mentor for work and "second father" giving personal advice and spiritual guidance. We talked about family often and how important it was to both of us. At his 80th birthday party he was so happy and proud of his children and their families in attendance and was catching me up on their lives.

We were all well loved by Ray and will miss him until we meet again in heaven.

Mary Van Voltenburg

December 10, 2020

I always remember Ray smiling when working at Grant Wood AEA. It was nice to see when in the hallway.

Bill Kurth

December 10, 2020

I had Ray for physical science at Taft in '65-'66. He was my hero and is likely responsible for my career in physics. His enthusiasm and excitement about science and his interest in his students was highly motivational for me. I'm so sorry for the loss of such a great educator.

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