Georgia J. Van Berkum
July 8, 1927 — October 18, 2015
Georgia Joanne Van Berkum, 88, of Marion, passed away peacefully in her home with her loving family at her side Sunday, October 18, 2015, from complications of pancreatic cancer. Visitation: 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22, 2015, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Marion. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 23, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Marion with a second visitation one hour prior to service at the church. Burial: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Georgia was born July 8, 1927 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to George and Ruby Van Gorkom, but grew up in Pella, Iowa. She graduated from Pella High School and attended Central College. Georgia was married to Cornelius A. Van Berkum on June 5, 1948 in Pella at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She worked in Des Moines in the state offices tax department. Georgia later joined her husband in the operation and ownership of the family business, Van’s Fuel Injection Service in Marion, Iowa. She was a loving mother and volunteered at St. Joseph’s School and also as a Boy and Girl Scout Leader. Many may remember her devotion to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where she spent many hours cleaning and singing in the choir. Her beautiful voice was also heard in the many Musical Literary Club presentations. Bridge Club was another activity she enjoyed with her numerous friends. Her favorite times always included family. Weekends were most often spent at their cabin in Lake Delhi where they enjoyed boating, skiing, and cooking over the campfire with friends and family.
She is survived by her husband, Cornelius “Van” Van Berkum; son, Thomas (Kathy) Van Berkum; daughters, Martha Jayne (Jeff) Myhre, Julie Van Berkum; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren with one on the way; daughter-in-law, Joan Van Berkum; her sisters, Jeanne Lokerse of Salem, Illinois, June Faaborg of Johnston, Iowa; and brother, Doug (Susan) Van Gorkom of Pella.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her step-mother, Hattie Van Gorkom; and son, James Lee Van Berkum.
Georgia’s welcoming spirit will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.
Memorials may be directed to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Camp Courageous or Catholic Charities.
Georgia was born July 8, 1927 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to George and Ruby Van Gorkom, but grew up in Pella, Iowa. She graduated from Pella High School and attended Central College. Georgia was married to Cornelius A. Van Berkum on June 5, 1948 in Pella at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She worked in Des Moines in the state offices tax department. Georgia later joined her husband in the operation and ownership of the family business, Van’s Fuel Injection Service in Marion, Iowa. She was a loving mother and volunteered at St. Joseph’s School and also as a Boy and Girl Scout Leader. Many may remember her devotion to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where she spent many hours cleaning and singing in the choir. Her beautiful voice was also heard in the many Musical Literary Club presentations. Bridge Club was another activity she enjoyed with her numerous friends. Her favorite times always included family. Weekends were most often spent at their cabin in Lake Delhi where they enjoyed boating, skiing, and cooking over the campfire with friends and family.
She is survived by her husband, Cornelius “Van” Van Berkum; son, Thomas (Kathy) Van Berkum; daughters, Martha Jayne (Jeff) Myhre, Julie Van Berkum; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren with one on the way; daughter-in-law, Joan Van Berkum; her sisters, Jeanne Lokerse of Salem, Illinois, June Faaborg of Johnston, Iowa; and brother, Doug (Susan) Van Gorkom of Pella.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her step-mother, Hattie Van Gorkom; and son, James Lee Van Berkum.
Georgia’s welcoming spirit will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.
Memorials may be directed to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Camp Courageous or Catholic Charities.
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