Obituary of Harvey James Van Oort

    Harvey James Van Oort, son of Peter and Willimina (Aalbers) Van Oort, was born on July 7, 1943, in Sanborn, Iowa. Harvey grew up in Sanborn and attended the Sanborn Christian School until the 8^th grade and continued his education at the Sanborn Public School. He was also a faithful member of the Christian Reformed Church in Sanborn.  

    After school, Harvey worked alongside his dad shelling corn. He later worked at the Sanborn Elevator before starting his own grinding business. Harvey found his real passion when he began over-the-road truck driving in 1981. He was an owner and operator for Van-Hof Trucking until retiring in December 2011. 

    Although Harvey loved being on the road and seeing all the country, he was a true family man. He met the love of his life, Gloria Baartman, in Boyden, Iowa and the couple was united in marriage on October 19, 1962. To this union six children were born: Keith, David, Pam, Steven, Daryl and Chad.  

    When Harvey wasn’t teasing and joking around with his grandchildren and family, you could find him being outdoors. He loved fishing, golfing, and wood working - really anything he could tinker with. Following his retirement, Harvey volunteered at Wheelchair Ministries in Sanborn for seven years. He really enjoyed working alongside his friends and sharing a cup of coffee. He was a fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Iowa Hawkeyes. 

    Harvey passed away on Friday, May 13, 2022, at the age of 78. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Gloria Van Oort of Sanborn; children: Keith (Candy) Van Oort of Sheldon, Iowa, David Van Oort of Sheldon, Iowa, Pam (Kelly) De Groot of Sanborn, Iowa, Steven Van Oort of Archer, Iowa, Daryl (Brenda) Van Oort of Ashton, Iowa, and Chad Van Oort of Sanborn, Iowa; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Audrey Kelderman and Donna Infinger; one brother, Ken (Nat) Van Oort; as well as extended family and friends.

    He is preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Mina Van Oort; granddaughter, Paige Van Oort; sister and brother-in-law, Jim and Joy Van Dyke; brothers-in-law: Alvin Kelderman and Charles Infinger; nephews: Lyle Kelderman and Travis Van Oort; parents-in-law, Pete and Sadie Baartman.

A private family Memorial Service will be held on

Friday, May 20, 2022 at the 

Christian Reformed Church in Sanborn.

The Sanborn Funeral Home in Sanborn, IA

is handling the arrangements.