Arthur Vande Minkelis was born March 6, 1931 on a farm in Douglas County, Iowa Township to Peter and Bernadena (Heusinkveld) Vande Minkelis. He died October 9, 2009 in his home at the age of 78 years after a 5 year struggle with cancer.

He was baptized and made profession of faith in the First Reformed Church of Harrison, SD where he was a life-long member and served as a deacon for several years.

He received his first seven years of education in the Van Zee Country School and 1 year at the Leddy Country School. He was prepared to go to high school until he was informed there would be no bus service to where he lived so he went into farming with his father. He farmed all his life and lived his entire life on the same section.

November 13, 1959 he married Dolores Olivier in the Christian Reformed Church of Harrison, SD and to this union three children were born.

Art was active on the Iowa Township Board of Douglas County for many years and was a Gideon.

He enjoyed farming, wood working, was a handy man and he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Art was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and served as a role model for his children and grandchildren and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife Dolores, of almost 50 years. 2 daughters: Marilyn and husband Elroy Zomer of Corsica and Lisa and husband Carl Hoogers of Armour.

-8 grandchildren: Sierra, Michael, Riley, and Laurel Zomer, Amanda and husband Nathan Singrey of Vienna, SD, Andrew, Bryan, and Jessica Hoogers.

- 1 brother Rokus Vande Minkelis and wife Beth of Corsica.

- many nieces and nephews.

Proceeding him in death were his parents, a son Owen, and a sister Grace Huber.