Chris Van Oort

Christian Van Oort was born September 8, 1926 near Matlock, Iowa, the son of Simon and Artie (Mol) Van Oort. Chris was the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Milford High School where he played in band and was on the football team. While in high school he worked at the bowling alley, theater and did construction. Those skills would carry on into his later life. He continued his education at the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, Iowa earning a degree in Accounting. Chris was married to Joyce Elaine (Moritz) Van Oort for 49 years before she passed away in 2004. Chris served in the US Army and belonged to several fraternal and veterans' organizations. Chris was an active member of the community, serving on the Milford City Council for a number of years and co-owning the Pioneer Theater in Milford. Chris was an accountant at Coca-Cola in Spirit Lake for more than 25-years. After 'retirement', Chris helped at his sons' business R & D Industries, Inc. as an accountant for over 20 years. Chris has inspired and influenced the lives of many people along the way and he will be deeply missed. Chris was a devoted husband and father; he enjoyed bowling, hunting and fishing and loved spending time at the summer cottage. Chris and Joyce had an opportunity to travel but he was most happy being right here in Milford. Chris was very proud of his family and grandkids and enjoyed spending time with them. Chris was always quick with a joke, and loved to make people smile. A few weeks ago, while in the hospital, Chris was asked if he needed anything and he quickly replied 'a good woman' - so he maintained his humor, and a kind and loving attitude to the end, even in the face of some very difficult times. Chris passed away February 12, 2013 at the Milford Nursing Center in Milford, Iowa at eighty-six years of age. He is survived by his two sons, Ron Van Oort and Don Van Oort, four grandchildren, one sister, Marion Gruchow of Traer, Iowa, and several nieces and nephews. Chris was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Van Oort in 2004; siblings, John Van Oort of Anchorage Alaska, Christina Sproessig of Baytown Texas, Anna Elvin of Spencer Iowa, Henrietta Green of Milford Iowa, and Artie Graham of Ames Iowa.