Dolores June Van Ryswyk

Funeral services for Dolores June Van Ryswyk, age 89, of Albert Lea, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 26, 2018 at New Life Christian Church in Albert Lea.  Elder Kendall Langseth will officiate. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 25 at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Dolores died Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community, surrounded by her loving family.

Dolores June Van Ryswyk was born on November 15, 1928 in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Lloyd Sylvester and Nellie Gertrude (Grave) Giles.  She grew up in Waterloo and then moved to Albert Lea in 1943, later moving to Geneva.  She graduated from high school in Ellendale. On August 27, 1949, Dolores was united in marriage to Lester Lyle Van Ryswyk in Pella, Iowa.  He was the love of her life.  They were married for over 50 years.  Dolores was a member of New Life Christian Church. She was a charter member of TOPS Club #MN979 and a member of the American Legion Post 56 Auxiliary, the Senior Center, and the Union Center.  Dolores enjoyed crocheting, crafts, and genealogy.  She loved visiting with friends and spending time with family.  Dolores will always be remembered for her infectious hugs to all that knew her.  She made everyone feel special.

Dolores is survived by her children, Janice (Scott) Schroader of Albert Lea, Doug (Karen) Van Ryswyk of Alden, Pam (Jerry) Christenson of Emmons, Paulette (Arlyn) Anderson of Albert Lea, Tricia (Scott) Kast of Kasson, and Leslie LaCanne of Clarks Grove; daughter-in-law, Charlene (Bruce) Holland; grandchildren, Chad Gulbertson, Tara Gulbertson, Jena (Michael) Vaale, Christopher Van Ryswyk, Jeremy (Kayla) Christenson, Joshua (Tara Enger) Christenson, Melissa (Glade) Churchward, Troy (Kallie Willamson) Anderson, Jordon (Sammi Bill) Van Ryswyk, Ashley (Wes Kramer, Jr.) Van Ryswyk, Crystal (David) Bruckhoff, Nicholas Kast, Alex (Ashley) Kast, Larissa (Ethan Van Kooten) Petersen, and Miranda LaCanne; great-grandchildren, Arista (Jay) Grauel, Dominik Strang, Tayler Strang, Micaela Vaale, Torri Vaale, Olivia Vaale, Devin Van Ryswyk, Jace Christenson, Riley Olson, Nolan Habana, Kylie Churchward, Chloey Kalvig, Kaleb Kalvig, Sophia Bruckhoff, Sadie Bruckhoff, and Reagan Kast; great-great-grandchild, Leela Grauel; brother, Don (Marilyn) Giles of Albert Lea; sisters-in-law, Fern Giles of Claycomo, Missouri, Lavonne Beers of Hamilton, Montana, and Justine Van Ryswyk of Albert Lea; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dolores was preceded in death by husband, Lester; son, Steven Van Ryswyk; granddaughter, Angela “Grandma’s Angel” Van Ryswyk; parents, Lloyd and Nellie Giles; in-laws, Pete and Clara Van Ryswyk; brother, Virgel Giles; and many other numerous loved ones.