Over
the years Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home has always strived
to provide dignified and compassionate service to the
many families who call upon us. Our commitment is also
reflected in our support of various organizations and
activities throughout the area, including church and civic
groups, schools and charitable organizations.
History ..............................................................................................................................................................................
|
Since it's establishment,
Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home has been Pella's preferred
funeral service provider.
The Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home
of Pella, Iowa was established by Mr. John M. Van
Dyk, a Pella native. In 1941, John purchased the
existing funeral business of Wormhoudt & Plette,
a funeral/furniture business also located in Pella.
He continued to build his business based on experience,
reputation, and the adequacy of the facilities.
|
Mr. Van Dyk experienced
some health concerns at a relatively young age.
Wishing to continue with the business, he contacted
a former mortuary science classmate, Mr. Wilson
H. Duven, who owned a funeral/furniture business
in the small northwestern Iowa town of Ashton.
In 1954, Mr. Duven, along with his
wife Rosa, sought the opportunity to raise their
young family in a more progressive atmosphere and
entered into business with Mr. Van Dyk, changing
the name to Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home. Mr. Van
Dyk remained active with business until his health
declined.
|
|
|
In 1963, Wilson Duven
was joined in the business by his son, Mr. Roger
D. Duven. Wilson and Roger Duven continued to build
the business on the foundations previously established.
During all of these years Roger and Wilson worked
very compassionately to serve the needs of families
in and around the Pella area. Roger and his wife
Glenda (Steenhoek) Duven, both have diligently devoted
their lives to serving the bereaved. Roger has made
several advances during these years, including being
elected President of the Iowa Funeral Directors
Association in 1982. Roger has served the community
and the funeral industry in many capacities. Wilson
Duven remained active in the business until his
death in January of 1994.
|
 |
In
September of 1999, Justin and Leah Hillman joined
the Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home Family. He has graduated
from both Iowa State University with a degree in Marketing,
and the University of Minnesota with a degree in Mortuary
Science. Justin has been involved in all facets of
the funeral industry, which help provide the funeral
home with many opportunities for development. |
|
Leah was born and raised in
Pella, where her grandfather, the late Wilson Duven and
father Roger Duven, have owned and operated Van Dyk -
Duven Funeral Home since 1954. She graduated from Pella
Community High School, and then Iowa State University
with a degree in Biology. Leah joins the business as the
firm's Family Services Director. These duties include
assisting families in the areas of pre-planning and pre-funding
funerals, post funeral service care, as well as aiding
in the daily operation of the business.
Staff ..............................................................................................................................................................................
Roger D. Duven
Justin P. Hillman
Glenda Duven
Leah Hillman
Helene Ver Meer
Roberta "Birdie" Goemaat
Harold Van Maanen
Brian Vande Lune
Delmar Van Kooten
Guy Jansen
|
|
|
