Kari Ann Van Tol

Rock Valley, IA: Kari Ann Van Tol, 55, of Rock Valley, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Hegg Health Center in Rock Valley after a 12-year battle with cancer. The creator of heaven and earth welcomed her home as a new creation. Her family is grateful.

   A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 5, at Trinity Christian Reformed Church in Rock Valley with Pastor Luke Johnston officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/4077519. Private family burial will be held prior to the service at Valley View Cemetery of Rock Valley. Visitation with the family present will be held on Wednesday, March 4, from 5:30 - 7:30 PM at Trinity Christian Reformed Church.

   If you would like to leave a memorial, please direct donations to Rock Valley Christian School or Trinity Christian Reformed Church.

   Kari Ann Kleinwolterink was born December 2, 1970, to Loren and Ann Kleinwolterink of Sioux Center, Iowa. Kari graduated from Sioux Center High School in 1989 and Drake University School of Pharmacy in 1994. Her pharmacy degree was used working for Walmart Stores in Sioux Center and Valley Pharmacy (Lewis Drug), primarily in Rock Valley. Kari married Joe E. Van Tol in 1994 and gave birth to two daughters, Tairin Van Tol and Amanda (Jonah) Fedders and son, Clay Van Tol. Kari loved each of them unconditionally.

   Kari enjoyed going for walks, family vacations, traveling with and spending time at the lake with her husband, Kleinwolterink gatherings and more recently being a grandma to her granddaughter, Rylee Ann Fedders. Kari enjoyed a wonderful earthly life even with her cancer challenges and toward the end she greatly looked forward to meeting her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In her illness she was supported greatly by her family and the family dog Max, who was faithfully at her side during many cancer treatment days.

   Kari also spent quiet time in scripture daily while remembering others in prayer, especially those who were also on a difficult journey with cancer. Her faith grew stronger daily. She leaves behind the truth of the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ to those who loved her and her life acts as a testimony to God’s goodness and closeness even amidst years of suffering. Her trust was that her home was in heaven. Praise God that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Kari is in heaven with her Savior and there is great rejoicing in that truth.

   Kari is survived by her husband, Joe E. Van Tol of Rock Valley; children, Tairin Van Tol, Amanda (Jonah) Fedders, both of Rock Valley, and Clay Van Tol of Sioux Center; granddaughter, Rylee Fedders; mother, Ann Kleinwolterink; siblings, Kelly (Shawna) Kleinwolterink, Koty (Mick) Vande Griend and Kembe (Mandi) Kleinwolterink; father-in-law, Joe D. Van Tol; and brothers-in-law, Todd (Julie) Van Tol, Dave (Gayle) Van Tol, and Ryan (Melanie) Van Tol. She was preceded in death by her father, Loren Kleinwolterink; and mother-in-law, Judy Van Tol.