Mike Van Gorp

Wednesday, August 9, 2017 1:21 pm

Mike Van Gorp, 69, of Waukon, died Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017, at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Funeral services were Wednesday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon, with Fr. Mark Osterhaus officiating. Burial with military honors was at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Waukon. Friends called from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon, where there was a 3:30 p.m. scripture service, and one hour before services at the church Wednesday. Honorary casket bearers were John Christopherson, Jerry “Red” Hulmes, Kenny Krambeer and Bryan Ward. Casket bearers were Scott and Bill Van Gorp, Rick, John and Matthew Ronan and Doug Ball. Online condolences may be left at martinfunerals.com.

George Michael Van Gorp was born Jan. 27, 1948, in Waterloo, the son of Max and Florence (Davis) Van Gorp. Mike grew up in Decorah and, in 1966, graduated from Thomas Roberts High School. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and was on active duty from 1966 to ‘68, serving in Vietnam; Mike was then transferred to the Marine Reserves through 1972. Mike was baptized at St. Patrick Catholic Church Jan. 27, 1973, in Waukon. A few months later, on June 16, he married Nina Regan and the couple made their home in Waukon. In November of 1973, Mike joined the Army Reserves, 389th Engineering Battalion in Decorah. For over 30 years, Mike was an over-the-road semi driver until retiring in 2010. Mike then became the director of the Waukon city park, which was a job he truly loved.
Mike belonged to the VFW and American Legion; in 2015, he received a quilt of valor from the Waukon community in honor of his service. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Patrick Catholic Church, where he was an usher and volunteered to help wherever he was needed. Mike enjoyed fishing, playing cards and riding his motorcycle. He also liked going to NASCAR races and watching his grandchildren’s activities. Mike loved going to his Army Reserve reunions in Ridgeway to see old friends.

Mike is survived by his former wife, Nina Van Gorp, of Waukon; his three children: Scott (Heather) Van Gorp of Nashua, Bridget (Rick) Ronan of Dorchester and Bill (Brandi) Van Gorp, of Waukon; seven grandchildren: Eli, John, Matt and Emily Ronan and Hayden, Stella and Jackson Van Gorp; his brother, Bob (Wendy) Van Gorp of Cedar Falls; a sister, Linda Johnson, of Eldridge; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant granddaughter, Regan Ronan; a sister, Pat Harvey; and two brothers-in-law, Don Harvey and Dennis Johnson.