John Vellinga

John William Vellinga was born August 15, 1928 in Volga, South Dakota, the son of Ed and Grace (Van Klompenberg) Vellinga. He grew up and graduated from high school at Sheldon, Iowa. He served in the 34th National Guard Division for 7 years. On August 29, 1954 he was united in marriage to Mary Lou Wilken. Following their marriage, they farmed near Rock Rapids, Iowa. In 1959 he graduated from Reish Auctioneering School in Mason City, Iowa, and from that started a life-long career of auctioneering. In 1967 he bought the Sheldon Livestock Company and continued operating the salebarn until his kids and Montana lured him away to Bozeman. During the next years he was active in auctioneering, tending Hyalite Dam for the Middle Creek Water Users, serving in his church, #8220;hitting#8221; garage sales every Saturday morning, fixing everything from lawn mowers to tractors and thoroughly enjoying his kids and grandchildren. He went to be with the Lord last Saturday, January 24th 2009, peacefully at home at the age of 80. Surviving him is his wife of 54 years-Mary Lou, along with a daughter Capi and her husband Dayle Kountz; and a son, Cory and his wife Pam McCutcheon. Also surviving are grandchildren, Sierra and Connor Vellinga and Cody and Kaylee Sky Kountz all of Bozeman, and one sister Nelvina Mouw of Sibley, Iowa. Preceding John in death were his parents, a brother Ray and sisters Dorothy and Edna. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held Friday January 30th at 10:30 AM at the Evangelical Free Church, 1701 South 19th Avenue, Bozeman Montana, with Pastor Patrick Brown, of Shining Mountains Evangelical Lutheran Church officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Shining Mountains Evangelical Lutheran Church Building Fund, 325 N 25th Ave., Bozeman MT, 59718.