John Van Ginkel

Rock Valley, IA: John Van Ginkel, 97, of Rock Valley, Iowa, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Whispering Heights in Rock Valley. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 1, at 10:30 AM at the Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Rock Valley with Rev. J.J. Witvoet officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Rock Valley. Visitation with the family present will be held Tuesday, June 30, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home in Rock Valley.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the North American General Mission (NAGM). 

   John Van Ginkel, son of Ralph and Effie (Maassen) Van Ginkel, was born January 14, 1929, at home near Rock Valley, Iowa. He was the second of five children. John served his country in the United States Army from June 22, 1951 to June 12, 1953, during the Korean Conflict.

   John was united in marriage to Jeanette Van Voorst on February 8, 1957, at the Netherlands Reformed Church in Sioux Center, Iowa. Together they raised 11 children on a farm south of Inwood, Iowa. They retired to Rock Valley, Iowa in 2000 and together they moved to Whispering Heights in December of 2023. Jeanette passed away on April 30, 2025.

   John was a lifetime member of the Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Rock Valley where he served many years as an elder. He cared for his family through prayer, instruction, and love. For many years he lovingly cared for his son, Glenn, at home after he was injured in a childhood farm accident. His kindness and selflessness will be remembered by those who knew him.

   John is survived by his 5 sons, Henry Van Ginkel, Rallyn (Deborah) Van Ginkel, James (Bonnie) Van Ginkel, Timothy (Kelly) Van Ginkel, and Daniel (Michele) Van Ginkel; 5 daughters, Ellen (Vern) Van Beek, Jelaine (Kent) Schelling, Laura (Harlen) Van Beek, Karen (Randall) Van Beek, and LeAnn (Mark) Wynia; 54 grandchildren; 110 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, John Van Beek Jr.; 7 sisters-in-law; and 3 brothers-in-law from the Van Voorst Family.

   Preceding John in death were his wife, Jeanette; parents, Ralph and Effie; parents-in-law, Henry and Gertie; infant daughter, Leah; son, Glenn; 2 granddaughters, Julie and Marissa; great-grandson, Levi; brother, Everett (Hermina); 3 sisters, Gertrude (William) Vande Stouwe, Roevina (Gilbert) Hoogendoorn, and Ethel Van Beek; 4 brothers-in-law; and 3 sisters-in-law.