Gerrit Peter Vander Beek, 79, passed away on January 24, 2025 in Lee’s Summit, MO.

Gerrit was born on February 2, 1945 in Slootdorp, North Holland, the Netherlands to Lambert and Marie (Branderhorst) Vander Beek. The family immigrated to Iowa when Gerrit was 4 years old. He attended Sully Christian schools and graduated from Pella Christian High.

Gerrit married Marcella (Marcie) Bandstra in 1963 and had 2 children, Lori (Paul) Iverson (CA) and Daniel Vander Beek (MO).

Gerrit’s strong work ethic was always accompanied by a big, friendly smile. Over the years, he worked for Lubbers’ Dairy, De Jong Greenhouse, and held numerous positions with the Pella Farmer’s Cooperative including manager of the Tracy branch.

In 1980, the family purchased Vander Ploeg Bakery in Pella, IA and he became a baker for the next 26 years. He excelled in this newfound profession, even becoming president of the Iowa Baker’s Association for several years.

Gerrit loved football, especially attending and traveling for Central College football games. He also loved to get behind the wheel and explore with Marcie, choosing to take country roads over interstates. As a rule, he wouldn’t turn around - he wanted to see what was around the next bend and so took the time to enjoy the scenic route. Gerrit and Marcie enjoyed many years traveling to diverse destinations together, including an especially memorable trip through the Panama Canal.

He is survived by his wife of over 61 years, Marcie, his children, Lori and Daniel, grandchildren, Luke (Anne) (TN) and Rachel Iverson (CA) and great-grandchildren Noah and Willow Iverson. He is also survived by sisters, Maggie Wakeman (Holland, MI) and Ann Van Den Heuvel (What Cheer, IA).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lambert and Marie, his brother, Lambert “Beek” Vander Beek and son-in-law, Paul Iverson.

A memorial will be held at a later date.