Edward J. Van Dam

Edward John Van Dam was born on January 6, 1933 to Gerhart, Sr., and Henrietta (Roghair) Van Dam on the family farm west of Chandler, Minnesota. The family moved to a farm north of Edgerton, Minnesota in 1942. He began his education at country school and then attended Edgerton Christian School. Following his education he went to work full-time and began his career in farming. On September 1, 1953, Ed married Carol De Vries at her parents’ home in Pipestone, Minnesota. The young couple moved onto Ed’s parents’ farm, where the couple continued the operation and resided for over 60 years. They were also blessed with two children. Along with farming his entire life, Ed worked various part-time jobs, including Hanson Silo, Edgerton Rendering Works, for Chuck Top at the sale barn, and Emmit De Groot with silage. Ed also kept busy with a lot of custom work for area farmers. The later years of life, Ed remained busy helping his nephews with their farming operations. On Thursday, August 3, 2017 while residing at the Edgebrook Care Center, Ed went to be with his Lord at the age of 84 years, six months and 27 days.

Ed was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church in Edgerton, where during his younger years he belonged to Men’s Society and the Milk Producer’s Organization. His professional life was very simply stated, the farm. However, more than the farm, Ed’s life was devoted to his family and friends. Along with farming, he enjoyed camping and fishing. He looked forward to the family’s annual trip where later in life, he loved spending time with his grandsons. He always made sure to have fun and would always go the extra mile for his family and friends.

Ed is lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 64 years, Carol; a daughter, Joan (Larry) Reker of Worthington, Minnesota, and their children, Chad and Corey (Alicia) Reker; a son, John (Sheila) Van Dam of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and their children, Clay (Stephanie) Austin and son, Owen, and Jennifer (Eric) Lovro and children, Cole, Brittany, and Gavin; four siblings, Henry (Velva) Van Dam of Chandler, Gerhart, Jr. (Evelyn) Van Dam of Edgerton, Arvin (Nancy) Van Dam of Sioux Falls, and Rosella (Bob) Prinsen of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and a brother-in-law, Paul Van Der Wege of Orange City, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Henrietta Van Dam and Geraldine Van Der Wege.

Memorials may be directed to the First Christian Reformed Church Radio Fund.

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