William Donald “Bill” Van Maanen was born September 26, 1925 to Gilbert and Cora (Van Hall) Van Maanen on the family farm south of Leighton. He attended Greeley School until age 8 and then the Pleasant View School through 8th grade. He attended Pella High School for one year and then began working on the farm.
On December 21, 1945, he married Laurine Menninga, daughter of Yella Z and Sarah Menninga. In 1946 he joined the Army and served in Japan for the next 18 months. When he returned home, he and Laurine farmed west of Pella until they moved to Pella in January of 1968.
They were managers of the Montgomery Wards Store on Franklin Street for several years. After the store closed, Bill became employed at Vermeer Mfg, where he worked in the shipping department until retiring in 1990. He then drove school bus for Pella Community Schools until age 85!
Bill and Laurine loved to travel. They were the support team for many Vermeer bike rides, took many trips across the United States, traveled to Holland to visit relatives, enjoyed a wonderful trip to Hawaii, and spent many winters in Donna, Texas. They also enjoyed attending Bluegrass Gospel concerts.
Bill was known for his infectious laughter and his love for whistling. He was nicknamed “Grandpa Hoo-Hoo” by his oldest great grandchild (who was two at the time) and was lovingly called this by all of the great grandchildren. Two children were born to Bill and Laurine: Donald Lee was born on June 11, 1949, and Linda Joy was born on November 19, 1951.
Bill’s Family: Donald Lee and Rita (Vander Molen) Van Maanen Darren Van Maanen Wesley and Taunya Van Maanen Klaeton and Holly Van De Kieft Paige and Josiah Jack Jaed, Trae, Daiva, Kaesy Van Maanen Brenda and Eric Goodale Elizabeth, William, Grace Goodale Linda Joy and Mark Vos Eric Vos and fiancée Christan Maddison Caylin, Chase Maddison Craig Vos Shawn and Crystal Vos Bill is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as his brother, Harold and Marie Van Maanen and sister-in-law Mildred Van Maanen, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Laurine (who died on Dec 21, 2016, on their 71st wedding anniversary), his parents Gilbert and Cora Van Maanen, Laurine’s parents Yella Z and Sarah (Witzenburg) Menninga, his family: John and Bertha Slings, Martin and Tillie Vos, John Van Maanen, and sister-in-law Luella Van Maanen. He was also preceded in death by Laurine’s family: Andrew, Cecil and Marie (George Gossage) Menninga, and three nephews.
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