Kenneth Van Donselaar was born on September 3, 1944, to Albert and Rena Van Donselaar. He grew up in Mahaska County, Iowa, where he attended Wright School. Following his schooling, Ken began working as a hired man for several area farmers, beginning a lifelong connection to farming and the land he loved.
Ken proudly served his country in the Iowa Army National Guard, completing his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
On March 2, 1967, Ken was united in marriage to Linda Vroegh. Together, they were blessed with four children: Keith, Kevin, Jason, and Crystal. Ken and Linda began their married life farming east of Oskaloosa on the “Hugen Farm.” In April 1973, they purchased the “home place” south of Oskaloosa. It was there that they grew their farming operation, raised their family, and built a life rooted in hard work, faith, and family.
Ken was a longtime member of First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa, where he faithfully served as a Deacon, Elder, and Sunday School teacher. His Christian faith was an important part of his life, and he demonstrated his commitment to serving others through his involvement in the church and community. Ken also participated in nine mission work trips with the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) and World Renew, traveling to Gulfport, Mississippi; Biloxi, Mississippi; Pensacola, Florida; San Marcos, Texas; and Weslaco, Texas. Through these trips, he put his faith into action, using his skills and willingness to work hard to help those in need. Ken also served his community as a township trustee.
While farming was a lifelong passion, Ken also enjoyed spending time outdoors and treasured the friendships he developed along the way. He especially looked forward to his trips to Texas with his good friends, Ron and Pete Leggett, where they shared many adventures, good times, and lasting memories.
Ken also loved traveling with Linda and their family. Together, they enjoyed exploring the country, visiting nearly all 50 states and creating countless memories along the way.
Throughout his life, Ken remained deeply connected to his farming roots and the Mahaska County community. His life was marked by a strong work ethic, devotion to his family, and steadfast faith in God.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Linda, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage; their four children, Keith (Michele) Van Donselaar, Kevin (Cindy) Van Donselaar, Jason Van Donselaar, and Crystal (Marty) Roberts; and eleven grandchildren: Emma (Logan) Bankard and Brianna Van Donselaar, daughters of Keith and Michele; Landon, Hayden, and Owen Van Donselaar, sons of Jason; and Nathan, Lucas, Jared, Caleb, Levi, and Jacob Roberts, sons of Crystal and Marty. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Lucy Bankard.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Rena Van Donselaar; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lloyd and Mary Jane Vroegh; and his brother, Ray Van Donselaar.
Ken’s legacy lives on through the family he loved the life he built, and the example of faith, hard work, and dedication he leaves behind. He will be lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
Funeral services for Kenneth Van Donselaar will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church in Oskaloosa, Iowa on Monday, November 16, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Jon Spronk officiating. A family prayer service will begin at 10:15 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the church prior to the service. Visitation will be at the First Christian Reformed Church on Sunday, November 15, 2026 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Private burial will be at the Forest Cemetery. A complete obituary will follow. Memorials may be made to the Word Renew Disaster Response Services or the Oskaloosa Christian School. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
