Rock Rapids, IA
Gilbert Vanden Top, age 85, of Rock Rapids, IA went to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, September 12, 2025, at his residence in Rock Rapids, IA.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 16th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, IA, with the family present.
A prayer service will be held on Wednesday, September 17th at 10:00 AM at First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids, with interment to follow in Riverview Cemetery of Rock Rapids.
A Celebration of Life will also be held on Wednesday, September 17th at 11:00 AM at First Reformed Church of Rock Rapids, with Pastor Amy Ryals officiating.
Gilbert “Gib” Gerald Vanden Top was born June 12, 1940, to Gerrit J. and Christine (Van Hill) Vanden Top in Grand Rapids, MI. At the age of 2, Gilbert’s family moved to Lester, IA. In 1950, the family moved to a farm south of Lester. Growing up, he attended Cleveland Township #5 Country School. After his education, he remained living on the family farm, helping with its day-to-day operations. During this time, he entered the U.S. Air National Guard and served from 1957 to 1963.
Gilbert was united in marriage to Leona Jean Hulstein on August 15, 1961, at the First Reformed Church in Rock Rapids. In their life together, Gilbert and Leona were blessed with eight children, 21 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. The family lived on the family farm where Gilbert farmed and raised livestock from 1961 through November 2015. At that time, they made the move to Rock Rapids. Gilbert and Leona loved life on the farm and raising their family. He was also a member of the First Reformed Church, serving as an Elder, Deacon and Choir member.
Gilbert was known for reciting quotes, such as “I’m a jack of all trades, master of none” and “Do as I say, not as I do”. When someone asked him, “How do you feel?”, he replied, “With my fingers”. And last, but not least, when asked, “Are you ready?”, his reply was, “No, my name is Gilbert!” He enjoyed fixing tractors and cars, playing guitar and singing. He especially enjoyed attending all of his children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Leona Vanden Top of Rock Rapids, IA; son, Doug (Darla) Vanden Top of Hull, IA and their children: Danae (Robert) Rasmussen and children, Kailey and Amelia; and Dale (Rebecca) Vanden Top and their son, Dominic; daughter, Sandi Stump of Rock Rapids, IA and her children: Krista (Ross) Polla, and their children, Ava and Brody; Amy (Blake) Lyon, and their son, Logan; and Megan (Alex) Lund; son, Rodney (Brenda) Vanden Top of Rock Rapids, IA and their children: Josh (Heidi) Vanden Top and son, Case; Travis (Monica) Vanden Top and their daughter, Raelynn; Kathryn (Chris) Huber, and their children, Tilly and Elsie; daughter, Audrey (Gerald) Postma of Rock Rapids, IA, and their children: Michael and Melissa Postma; son, Mark (Katie) Vanden Top of Rock Rapids, IA, and their children: Dylan, Tanner, Carson, and Lucas Vanden Top; son-in-law, Wade (Amber) Huisman of Rock Rapids, IA, and their children: Kyler (Lindsay) Huisman, and their child, Mary Jo; Rylie, Maddie, and Braden Huisman; daughter, Beverly (Rick) Metzger of Sioux Falls, SD, and their children: Zachary and Zoey; and daughter, Brenda (Jonathan) Folkens of Larchwood, IA, and their daughter, Haley. He is also survived by a sister, Betty (Henry) Bouma of Sioux Falls, SD; a brother, Robert (Arlene) Vanden Top of Rock Valley, IA; and two brothers-in-law, Ronald (Elaine) Hulstein of Mountain Home, AR and David (Cheryl) Hulstein of Rock Rapids, IA; along with many nieces, nephews and other extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerrit and Christine Vanden Top; step-father, Louie Kroon; and a daughter, Mary Jo Huisman. Blessed be his memory.