Jerald D. Van Dalen

Jerald D. Van Dalen (Jerry), of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on October 12, 2026. He was born on August 9, 1942, in Albia, Iowa. Jerry lived a life defined by service, hard work, love of family, and a deep appreciation for all of God’s creations.

Jerry attended Miller Ridge Rural School through eighth grade and graduated from Albia High School in 1959. In high school, he developed his love for woodworking through his shop classes. Next, he attended Centerville Community College for two years, followed by two additional years at Northeast Missouri State in Kirksville, Mo., where he earned a
Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.

One night in the fall of 1964, he was dining with friends at Babe’s Pizza in Des Moines, IA when he spotted the love of his life, Lucille Dian (Monsma) Van Dalen. They married on August 20, 1965, in Sully, Iowa. Their marriage was a partnership filled with love, adventure, family, faith, and many wonderful memories. Together they shared more than 60 years of marriage and built a family that was the greatest joy of Jerry’s life.

Service to his country was an important part of Jerry’s life. He proudly served four years in the United States Air Force as a communications officer, followed by another 20 years in the Iowa National Guard with the 132nd Air Division. He retired from military service as a Colonel. His commitment to serving others and his country was a reflection of the values he carried throughout his life.

After his military service, Jerry taught junior and senior high school for several years. He had a passion and gift for teaching. He later became a builder in Pella, Iowa, where he enjoyed the satisfaction of designing and building things with his own hands.

Following his career as a builder, Jerry returned to another lifelong passion—farming on the family farm in Albia, Iowa. The land was never simply a place to Jerry. It was part of who he was. Farming and soil conservation were especially important to him, and he cared deeply about being a good steward of the earth and preserving it for those who would come after him.

He had a special love for the outdoors, and appreciated birds, trees, flowers, wildlife, and the simple beauty of the natural world. He was curious and found wonder in things that others might overlook, and he encouraged those around him to slow down and appreciate the beauty that surrounded them.

Jerry loved traveling throughout the United States, especially visiting the National Parks. He enjoyed the beauty, history, and wonder found in each new place. In his later years, he and Dian enjoyed cruising together. He loved meeting people from all over the world, hearing their stories, and making new friends along the way. Whether he was visiting with someone while traveling, talking with a neighbor, working on the farm or simply sitting on a bench waiting for Dian, he had a gift for making people feel welcome and a genuine interest in others. He made connections wherever he went, and many people who crossed his path became friends.

Jerry’s greatest legacy, however, is the love he gave to his family, always steady and genuine. He cherished his wife, was immensely proud of his daughters, and treasured each of his grandchildren. His family will carry his influence with them for generations to come.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Dian; his daughters, Kendra Jo (Van Dalen) Eason and her husband, Gregg, of Parkville, Missouri, and Kimberly Ann (Van Dalen) Westerfield and her husband, Hunter, of Overland Park, Kansas; and his grandchildren, Ben, Kate, and Ellie Eason, and Hayden Westerfield. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Ann Van Dalen of Newton, Iowa, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and brother-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Harrison; his parents, Emmett Ira and Eva Victoria (Pickerell) Van Dalen; his parents-in-law, Glen and Wilhelmina “Billie” Monsma; and his brother-in-law, David Mick.

While his family grieves his absence, they celebrate a life well lived. Jerry served his country, taught young people, built homes and relationships, cared for the land, explored the beauty of his country, and most importantly, loved his family deeply. His family and friends will miss his stories, humor, wisdom, kindness and loving spirit, and most of all the simple gift of having him here. His journey on earth is complete, but the love and legacy he leaves behind continues.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at the Church of the Resurrection, in Leawood, KS on Thursday, October 22 at 2:00 P.M. The service will be livestreamed at cor.org/memorialsonline. Inurnment will take place at a later date at the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery in Adel, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to any of the following causes which were important to Jerry: 1) the American Legion Post 89/Avenue of Flags Project, 829 Broadway Street, Pella, Iowa 50219, Attn: Jerry Van Dalen memorial, 2) the Monroe County Fair, 6738 147th Street, Albia IA 52531, or 3) Harrison’s Hydration Station, which serves drinks and occasional meals to the patients and staff at both the KU Cancer Clinic where Harrison was treated, and the St. Luke’s Cancer treatment center where Jerry was treated.