Jack Lee VanGinkel

On February 12, 2018, Jack Van Ginkel departed this earth to spend this Valentine’s Day with his eternal sweetheart, loving wife of 50 years, who passed before him, Janice Lucille Wells (1938-2006).

Jack was born October 27, 1935, to John L. and Louise Isabelle Van Ginkel. He was the youngest of six children.

Jack grew up working in the family grocery store, Van Ginkel Grocery, located on S.E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA. There, he learned the value of hard work and showing compassion for his fellow man.

Jack graduated from Lincoln High School, Des Moines, IA, where he competed in track and field. He also ran in the Drake Relays six times. To this day, Jack holds the Lincoln High School throw record. He was also elected to be his Senior Class Vice President and served as sports editor for the school’s paper, “The Senior and Regular Rail”.

After high school, Jack joined the United States Air Force where he proudly and honorably served six years in Maine and Georgia.

March 23, 1956, he married the love of his life, Janice Lucille Wells. Together they brought six children into the world, forming a strong and loving family unit.

In his post-military life, he returned with family to Des Moines, IA and then to Waukee, IA.

He worked hard at Anderson Erickson Dairy in Des Moines, IA. Finally retiring after 31 years of faithful service. His hard work and dedication to his family was noticed by many and admired by all.

Jack’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, golf, Chicago Cubs baseball, and Iowa Hawkeye Football and Basketball (but he still pulled for the Cyclones when they weren’t playing the Hawks.)

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, John and Louise Van Ginkel, his three brothers: Marvin, Dale and Harold, and his dear and beloved wife of 50 years, Janice Lucille Van Ginkel.

He is survived by both of his beautiful sisters, Mary Wheeler and Charlotte (Don) Monical, his six children: Anita (Jeff) Compton, Tammy (Tom) Phiels, Jeff (Michelle) Van Ginkel, Linda (Jim) Hawse, Larry (Jacki) Van Ginkel and David (Aline) Van Ginkel, along with 20 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, as well as many, many extended family and friends.

Services for Jack Van Ginkel will be as follows:
Friday, February 16, 2018, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, IA
Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral will be at 11:00 a.m.
Graveside service at Resthaven Cemetery, West Des Moines, IA

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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