Leo William Van Sant was born on June 2, 1934, to Vienus and Martha (Kommer) Van Sant on the family farm near Kilduff, Iowa. He attended Sherman #6 Country School in Jasper County. As the oldest of four children, Leo learned the value of hard work at an early age. His daily chores included carrying in wood and cobs for the stove and keeping the coal bucket filled. Leo’s love of farming began almost as soon as he was big enough to help. At just seven years old, he eagerly tried to see how many cows he could milk before his parents arrived at the barn. As a member of 4-H, he raised sheep and a dairy heifer to exhibit at the Jasper County Fair in Colfax, Iowa. After completing the eighth grade, Leo remained on the family farm to help with its operation rather than continuing on to high school. In January 1955, Leo volunteered for the draft and enlisted in the United States Army, reporting to Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. While in basic training, he contracted rheumatic fever and spent 13 weeks recovering in an Army hospital. During that difficult time, he made the most of the opportunity by earning his G.E.D. Following his honorable discharge, Leo graduated in August 1959 from U.S. Trade School in Kansas City, Missouri, where he completed training in auto body and fender repair while also studying mechanics through correspondence courses. Leo met the love of his life, Dorothy Jean De Geus, while “cruising the square” in Pella, Iowa. They were united in marriage on June 1, 1960, at First Reformed Church in Pella. Just days before their wedding, Leo suffered a serious eye injury and was temporarily released from the hospital so they could be married before returning for surgery a few days later—a fitting example of the determination that would characterize his life. Leo worked in several body shops and eventually operated Van’s Body Shop in Newton, Iowa. In February 1967, he and Dorothy moved to the farmstead of Dorothy’s parents, Andrew and Anna (Van Zante) De Geus, five miles east of Pella. There they built a home filled with faith, love, and hard work while raising their family. They were blessed with three sons: Jeffrey Kent, born in 1961; Craig Eugene, born in 1963; and Bruce Alan, born in 1968. Their family grew through adoption as they welcomed daughter Kimberly Beth in 1973 and daughter Debra Lee in 1976. Faith was the foundation of Leo and Dorothy’s home. They faithfully prayed for each member of their family and read God’s Word together every day. They were involved with the Navigators and held regular Bible studies at their house. Along with farming, Leo held several jobs throughout his life. In 1979, he began working for Farmers Cooperative Exchange, delivering propane at all hours of the day and night whenever customers needed service. After 20 years of dedicated work, he retired from the Coop in July 1999. Retirement didn’t slow Leo down. He enjoyed restoring antique tractors and participating in tractor rides throughout Iowa. Never one to sit still, he took a part-time position delivering auto parts—and popcorn—for Arnold Motor Supply. Leo was known for his willingness to work and, with his characteristic good humor, also became known for being somewhat accident-prone. During his 16 years with Arnold Motor Supply, he jokingly held the company record for the most vehicle accidents.
A broken hip in December 2015 finally convinced him it was time to retire for good. Even then, Leo continued serving others by volunteering for several years at Mobility Worldwide (PET) in Leighton, Iowa, helping build mobility carts for people with disabilities around the world. He reluctantly stepped away only after a serious automobile accident left him unable to drive. In June 2025, Leo became a resident of The Cottages. He celebrated his 92nd birthday on June 2, 2026, and just one day earlier, he and Dorothy had joyfully marked their 66th wedding anniversary. Leo passed away on August 2, 2026. Above all else, Leo will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, great grandfather and a faithful servant of God. His work ethic, steadfast faith, generous heart, and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Dorothy and their family;
Jeff and Pam (Goodyk) Van Sant of Pella, IA.
Ashley and Chris Fletcher
Charlotte, Jack
Amanda and Mike Safa
Noor, Lyla, Lucy
Craig and Kim (Connelly) Van Sant of Greenville, SC.
Blaise and Briana
Raegan
Brynna and Kevin Keeney
Bradyn Van Sant and Seven McBeth
Bruce and Andrea (Van Kooten) Van Sant of Pella, IA.
Matt and Anna
Emery, Miles
Chase and fiancé Berkley McGaha
Caleb and Kate Van Sant
Debbie and Robert Meath of Urbandale, IA.
Ciara
Kim and Jason Roudabush of Brooklyn, IA.
Vanessa
Denzel and Aby Van Sant
Marshall
Jade
Of his original family Leo leaves his sister, Betty, and her husband Glen Vander Schel of Tracy, Iowa, his brother, Jerry Van Sant of Grinnell, Iowa and several nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vienus and Martha Van Sant, his brother, LeRoy Wayne Van Sant; his parents-in-law, Andrew and Anna De Geus, and his sister-in-law, Ellen De Geus. He was baptized at the Sully Christian Reformed Church in Sully, Iowa and made profession of his faith at the Newton Christian Reformed Church in Newton, Iowa in 1958. Leo was a faithful member of the First Reformed Church (First Church) of Pella where he was honored to serve as a pastoral care elder.
Memorial contributions may be given for Holt International Children’s Services or the First Church mission fund.
