Charlene "Char" Granstra

Rock Valley, IA: Charlene “Char” Granstra, 74, of Rock Valley, Iowa, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A funeral service will be held Thursday, June 5, at 11:00 AM at First Christian Reformed Church of Rock Valley with Rev. Brian Dunn officiating. The service can be livestreamed at https://www.christianworldmedia.com/livechannel/firstcrcrv. Burial will be at East Lawn Cemetery of Sheldon, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will be held Wednesday, June 4, at First CRC of Rock Valley from 5:30-7:30 PM

   Memorials may be directed to Friends of Rock Valley – Park Project.

   Charlene Kay Granstra was born to Cornie and Wilma (Kooima) Van Zanten on March 24, 1951, in Hull, Iowa. Her name was chosen for its similarity to that of her grandfather, Charles Kooima. Char was raised in Rock Valley, Iowa, alongside her two younger brothers, Larry and Randy, who were both diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at ages 5 and 3. Char played a vital role in helping care for them until their passing at ages 12 and 9. Char attended Rock Valley Christian Grade School and Western Christian High School, graduating in 1968. She later earned an associate’s degree in business from Northwestern College.

   In 1970, Char married her former husband, Norm Van Roekel. Knowing she was a carrier of Muscular Dystrophy and unable to have biological children, Char and Norm welcomed two children through adoption – Allison in 1973 and Troy in 1978. Char always made her children feel special for being adopted and that God had chosen them especially for her.

   Char began her professional career in 1972 at Kooima Manufacturing, a company founded by her grandfather, where she worked for many years in the manufacturing industry. At the age of 40, Char made a career change, becoming a financial advisor with Equitable Advisors, where she had a successful practice for over 30 years. While she received many awards and accolades, she took the most pride in caring for her clients. She was highly respected by her community, clients, and colleagues alike.

   Char was deeply committed to service, giving back to her community in numerous meaningful ways. She held positions on several boards, including the Rock Valley Public Library, Hegg Memorial Hospital, Hope Haven, Justice For All, and the City Council. These are just some examples of her dedication to helping others and making a lasting impact in her community.

   On August 27, 2004, Char married Dixon Granstra. With their marriage brought the blessing of a blended family, which Char embraced wholeheartedly. Char found great happiness in how well their children got along and in the shared time they spent together. Char and Dixon created many wonderful memories traveling the world with friends and family, especially enjoying their annual trips to Cabo San Lucas and more recently, their winters on Marco Island, Florida.

   Char’s generous nature and willingness to listen left a lasting impression on all who knew her. She was a trusted source of comfort and guidance for many. Above all, she found her greatest happiness in the company of both her and Dixon’s children and grandchildren, cherishing every moment shared with them.

   In August of 2022, Char was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She faced her illness with remarkable strength and grace, passing away on May 31, 2025, at the age of 74.

   Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Dixon; daughter, Allison (Chad) Vander Haar and son Troy (Katie) Van Roekel; Dixon’s children, Darla (Bob) Vander Plaats, Darin (Lori) Granstra, and Dolan (Cherish) Granstra; grandchildren, Connor, Madison, and Levi Vander Haar, Tyler, Kellen, Kennedy and Kamden Van Roekel, Hans (Courtney) Vander Plaats, Josh (Daniela) Vander Plaats, and Logan Vander Plaats (fiancée Taylor Sernett), Brennan (Rachel) Granstra, Jake (Meghan) Granstra, Jeffrey (Brooke) Granstra, Ben (Kayla) Granstra, and Olivia Granstra (fiancée Beau De Jongh), Dallas (Jamie) Granstra and Drake (Kerrigan) Granstra; 14 great grandchildren, with two more expected later this year. She is also survived by her brother, Chad Van Zanten; and sister-in-law, Burnette Sawyer.

   Char was preceded in death by her parents, Cornie & Wilma Van Zanten; brothers, Larry and Randy Van Zanten; grandson, Lucas Vander Plaats; as well as dear extended family members.