Wilma Brand

Wilma Grace Van Roekel was born on September 17, 1922, on a farm near Sully, Iowa. She was an only child born to Henry B. and Nellie De Penning Van Roekel. Wilma began her formal education in a one room school house close to the farm and attended Sully High School at Sully, Iowa for one year. On January 26, 1943, she was united in marriage with Roscoe Charles Brand, a son of Jacob H. and Mabel F. Renaud Brand, by the Rev. Ralph Menning at the home of her parents. During the early years of their marriage they lived on an Army base at Raleigh, North Carolina while Roscoe served his country during World War II, and to this union three children were born: Verlan Wayne, Eileen Fern and Roland Dean. In 1947, they moved to a farm North of Lynnville, Iowa where they farmed all their married life. Wilma enjoyed working the soil along side her husband, Roscoe, and watching the Lord bless the fruits of their labors. She also enjoyed gardening, working with flowers and serving others in need. Service was Wilma’s personality until her health failed. In November of 2006, she moved to Seeland Park in Grinnell, Iowa and in September of 2007, she moved into St. Francis Manor where she was cared for the remainder of her life. Wilma passed away there late Saturday evening, February 13, 2010 at the age of 87 years, 4 months and 26 days. Those left to honor her memory are three children and their spouses, 9 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

They and their families are: Verlan and Helen (Van Wyk) Brand of Grinnell, Eileen and Ronald Gruver of Lynnville, Roland and Thelma (Van Sant ) Brand of Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Wilma enjoyed watching, teaching, and nurturing her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Wilma’s extended family surviving are the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Lloyd and Arlene Brand of Sully, Iowa, Dorothy (Brand) and Ervin Loder of Golden, Colorado; along with several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roscoe Brand, who died on June 15, 1995; her parents, Henry B. and Nellie Van Roekel; and her parents-in-law, Jacob H. and Mabel Brand. Wilma made profession of her faith at a young age at the First Reformed Church in Sully, Iowa. She was an active member there serving as a Sunday School teacher, catechism teacher, daily vacation Bible school teacher and a longtime member of the Martha Circle. In later years she and her late husband, Roscoe, became active with The Gideon’s International and one of their greatest joys was spreading the news of the gospel by passing out Bibles and New Testaments. Wilma found great satisfaction in serving the Lord and will always be remembered as a loving, caring, hardworking Christian mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at the First Reformed Church in Sully.

Memorials may be given to The Gideon’s International or Grinnell Regional Hospice.

Arrangements were made by Van Dyk - Duven Funeral Home.

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