Henry Earl Van Elsen

Henry Earl Van Elsen, 80, of Newton died on Monday, October 28, 22024, at his home. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 4, 2024, at the Newton First Assembly of God Church. The family will greet friends after the service with a lunch at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Newton First Assembly of God Church or the National Kidney Foundation may be left at the church the day of the service or the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Henry, the son of Lucien and Dorothy (Ellsworth) Van Elsen, was born on August 25, 1944 in Colfax. He grew up in Colfax and at the age of 11 began working in George Weirick’s Drug Store. Following his graduation in 1963 from Colfax High School, Henry continued his dream to be a pharmacist by doing both his undergrad and going to pharmacy school at Drake University in Des Moines. After getting engaged on Halloween day in 1964, Henry was united in marriage with Linda Hasselman on June 26, 1965, in Newton. They lived in Des Moines until Henry completed his schooling and then made their home in Newton. In 1973, Henry and Linda purchased Nollen’s Drug and Gift in Newton from Henry’s old boss, George Weirick.  They ran the business together until it’s closing in 1996.  Henry then continued his pharmacist career at Osco Drug, Walgreens, and later part-time with Medicap.  Henry was always active in giving back to the Newton community. He served as a board member and President of the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce, was a member of Kiwanis, and was a mentor to many high school students through Junior Achievement and DECA.  Henry was also very involved at the First Assembly of God Church in Newton, serving on the board many times.  He always had a great sense of humor and was quick with a one-liner.  Henry enjoyed helping others, reading, working on his home, and walking his dogs.

Henry is survived by his wife, Linda Van Elsen of Newton; two children, Charles Van Elsen and Mary Van Elsen (Bob Patton), both of Newton; his siblings, Lucien (Karen) Van Elsen, Jean (Max) Wallace, Helen Reitan (John Grannis), James (Beth) Van Elsen, Lynda (Denny) Brouwer, and Larry Van Elsen (Kim Dingman); sister-in-law, Connie Van Elsen; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert Van Elsen.