March 31, 1940 – November 19, 2022

Evelyn Van Dam, 82, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, November 19, 2022. Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 22, 2022; 11:00 a.m., at First Christian Reformed Church, Edgerton, Minn., with Pastor Scott Muilenburg officiating. Interment was in Jasper Cemetery, Jasper, Minn.

Music was provided by organist Vel Kooiman and congregational hymns: Just A Closer Walk With Thee, How Great Thou Art, What A Day That Will Be, and God Be With You Till We Meet Again.

Pallbearers were Tristan Van Dam, Quentin Van Dam, Jordan Van Dam, John Moore, Sara Moore, Cody Erickson, Brock Erickson, Zachary Erickson, and Joshua Erickson. 

Evelyn Van Marel was born on March 31, 1940, to Arie Van Marel and Anna (Cleveringa) in Orange City, Iowa. As a young girl, she attended grade school in Steen, Minn., and high school in Hills, Minn. She then went on to Nettleton School and worked as a secretary for LeMars Mutual Insurance in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Evelyn was united in marriage to Gerhart Van Dam on August 25, 1961. She worked on the farm and raised five children.

Evelyn later attended Worthington Community College and received her LPN degree. She then worked for Tyler Hospital and New Life Treatment Center. Later, she continued her education and attained her Massage Therapist and Reflexology certifications and opened her own business.

Evelyn was a caregiver all her life and delighted helping people and caring for them. She was loved for her quiet nature and beautiful smile. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, music, sewing, singing in the church choir, Ladies Bible Study, playing organ, cooking and baking. Her greatest joy was reading the Bible, attending worship, singing, and spending time with her children and grandchildren and family.

Evelyn is survived by her husband, Gerhart; children: Linda Van Dam of Newport News, Va., Ron (Stephany) Van Dam of Jasper, Brenda (John) Moore of Roanoke, Va., Karen (Brett) Erickson of Harrisburg, S.D.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one brother Arnie Van Marel of Beaver Creek, Minn., and two sisters: Rosie (Arvin) Bleyenberg of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Loretta Van Otterloo of Doon, Iowa; sister-in-law Clarella Van Marel of Boyden, Iowa; brothers-in-law Don Palmquist of Sioux Falls, S.D. and Vernon Bolt, and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her son, Kevin Van Dam, parents, Arie and Anna Van Marel, brother, Alvin Van Marel, sisters, Darlene Bolt and Mary Palmquist, sister-in-law, Rosetta Van Marel and brother- in-law, Berwyn Van Otterloo.