Raymond Van Gelder

Raymond Van Gelder, 93, went to be with the Lord on December 19, 2011 after a brief illness. He was born to William and Effie Van Gelder on August 28, 1918 in Hartley, Iowa. He proudly served his country during World War II from 1941-1945 in France, Belgium and Germany. He fought in five major battles, including the Battle of the Bulge, and was credited with five battle stars for his valor. Upon his return to the United States, he married Marjorie Mulder on February 27, 1946. Their 65-year union produced five children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He farmed in Minnesota and Iowa until 1969, at which time he moved to Denver where he worked at Swedish Hospital until his retirement in 1986. A man of great faith and resolve, he was an example of strength and kindness to those who knew and loved him. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Eddie, a brother-in-law, Stewart, and a son, the Reverend William Van Gelder. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie; his sons Dennis (wife, Leslie), Ronald (wife, Cindy), Merlin (wife, Mary Beth) and Curtis (wife, Ann); a daughter-in-law, the Reverend Patricia Van Gelder; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brothers Dick (wife, Helen), Wilbert (wife, Clara), and Arnold (wife, Marge); his sisters Theresa Goslinga, Margaret Muilenberg (husband, Vernon), and Carolyn Vandebrake (husband, Rod); and a sister-in-law, Marcia Van Gelder. A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado 80227. Graveside Services will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2011, 10:00 AM at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Area ""A"", 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80235. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 5353 West Dartmouth Avenue, Suite 400, Denver, Colorado 80227. Please share your memories of Raymond and condolences with his family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" link.