| Graduation Year | Class of 1970 |
| Date of Passing | Jul 22, 2012 |
| About | Funeral services for William (Bill) Van Horn, 60, of Pella will be held Thursday, July 26, at the Third Reformed Church in Pella. Visitation will begin at noon on Wednesday, July 25, at the church with family present 5 to 7 p.m. William Edward Van Horn was born on February 9, 1952, to Don and Joanne Minnihan Van Horn in Urbandale, Iowa. Bill passed away on Sunday, July 22, 2012, at his home, following a lengthy battle with liver disease and cancer. He received his early education in elementary schools near his home and graduated from Urbandale High School with the class of 1970. He then attended Ellsworth Community College receiving his Associate of Arts degree, William Penn College where he earned his B.A. degree, and graduated with his Master's degree in Education Administration from Northeast Missouri State. On April 5, 1975, Bill was united in marriage with Margene Karyl Brocka in Vilmar, Iowa. They were blessed with five children: Heather Nicole, Holly Joanne, Heidi Jean, Zachary William, and Hillary Margene. The family lived in Oskaloosa before moving to Pella in 1988. For thirty-six years Bill worked in the education field as a Physical Education Teacher, Coach, and Athletic Director, which was the last position he held at Pella Community High School retiring in June 2011. Bill received numerous awards in his career: Character Counts Award, Athletic Directors Hall of Fame, and the Administrator of Iowa Award. Bill was a faithful member of the Hillside Bible Church in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He was a member of various organizations: High School Athletic Directors Association, Professional Educators of Iowa, High School Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association, Lions Club, and Gideon's International. He had many hobbies and interests. He loved being a spectator at various sporting events, particularly wrestling. He and Margene could often be seen on their motorcycle traveling from coast to coast. Bill also enjoyed conversing on all topics whether it was religion, politics, or sports. His greatest passion in life was spending time with his family. Those who will forever cherish his memories are: his wife, Margene; his five children and their spouses: Heather and Tim Weiss of Waukee, Holly and Nate Christoffels of Omaha, Heidi and Eric Ortegren of Des Moines, Zachary and Chelsea Van Horn of Pella, Hillary and Adam Negen of West Des Moines; his father, Don Van Horn; two brothers, John Van Horn and Jerry (Lisa) Van Horn; one sister, Joan Van Horn; nine grandchildren; seventeen nieces and nephews; many cousins; and a host of dear friends. Bill was preceded in death by his mother Mary Joanne (Minnihan) Van Horn, his grandparents, Howard and Oma Van Horn and Matt and Gladys Minnihan and parents-in-law, Laverne and Ruth Brocka. Memorials may be given to Pella Community High School Athletics, Berean Baptist Church or Hospice of Pella. The Pella Garden Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Published in Des Moines Register on July 24, 2012 |
