History
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
Since its 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 1998, Justin and Leah Hillman joined the Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home Family. He has graduated from both Iowa State University and the University of Minnesota. As a licensed funeral director, Justin has been involved in all facets of the funeral industry, which help provide the funeral home with many opportunities for development. He currently is involved with many organizations and serves on the board of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association, Iowa Safari Club International, and Marion County Pheasants Forever.
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. Leah serves 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.