Claris Eugene Van Genderen, the son of Leonard and Jennie(Brand)Van Genderen, was born on December 22, 1929, at Sully, Iowa. He attended Kellogg No.3(Four Corners)and Lynn Grove No.11(Iron Clad)Country Schools and graduated from Sully High School in Sully with the Class of 1948. Following high school Claris hauled cream for Walter Vander Leest for two years and worked for a short time hauling eggs for the Sully Cooperative Exchange. On March 14, 1950, he was united in marriage with Sylvia Moe Vander Beek, a daughter of Antonie P. and Tunnie(Goemaat)Vander Beek, at the First Reformed Church in Sully. To this union two daughters were born: Mary Ann and Laura Lee. In 1950 Claris began working as a meat cutter at the Community Lockers in Sully where he worked as a meat processor for 61 years. He served as a volunteer fireman with the Sully Fire Department and an EMTA with the ambulance service for 43 years. He was a long-time member of the Sully Lions Club where he served as secretary for several years. Claris was awarded the Melvin Jones Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Service from the Lions International Foundation. Claris was a life-long member of the First Reformed Church in Sully where he served as both Elder and Deacon and was a member of the choir for more than 50 years. He sang first tenor with the Alleluia Quartet for 19 years. Most recently he enjoyed following his grandchilddren's activities throughout their school years.

Claris passed away at his home in Sully on Wednesday afternoon, September 7, 2011, at the age of 81 years following a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sylvia; his daughters: Mary Ann and her husband, Conrad Van Maaren of Kellogg, Iowa, Laura Lee and her husband, Gary Creasy of Sully; four grandchildren: Sara(Van Maaren)and Duane Matthess of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Rev. Paul and Courtney Van Maaren of Lynden, Washington, Leah(Van Maaren)and Rick Carolan of Cedar Rapids, Joel and Katy Van Maaren of St. Louis, Missouri; and six great-grandchildren: Tavius, Tate and Isabelle Matthess, Hannah and Olivia Van Maaren, and Hadleigh Van Maaren. Of his original family, Claris leaves his two sisters: Lucille and her husband, Vernon Huyser, Joyce and her husband, Dick Ver Ploey, Jr. of Sully; two sisters-in-law: Pearl(Vander Beek)Terpstra, presently of Grinnell, Iowa, Sara Rose(Abe)Vaneer Beek, presently of Oskaloosa, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

Claris was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Jennie Vander Genderen; his parents-in-law, Tone and Tunnie Vander Beek; and the following sister-in-law and brothers-in-law: Verna(Vander Beek)and Glen Elscott, Nelson Terpstra and Abe Vander Beek.

Funeral sservices will be held Monday, September 12, 2011 at 10:30 am at First Reformed Church, Sully, Iowa. Interment will follow in the Sully Cemetery at Sully, Iowa. Visitation will begin after noon on Sunday at the First Reformed Church where the family will be present from 2-5 pm. For those desiring, memorials may be designated for Hospice of Pella, Iowa or the music department at the First Reformed Church.