Loren Dale Van Gorkum
Loren was born July 30, 1957 to parents Charlie and Cornelia VanGorkum, who both preceded him in death, and went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ early in the morning on January 2, 2021. He was 63 years old. He was a single man, never married, but the delight of his life was his role as “Uncle Loren” to his 13 nephews and nieces, to the sons and daughters of his cousins, and as time went on he stayed in that role to all of their children, and often even to unrelated friends of those children. He was a faithful son who spent time with Mom after Dad’s life ended early due to ALS. He often served as her chauffeur and companion to family gatherings, to grandchild and to great grandchild events and achievements, and also as Mom entertained family and extended family at her home.
Loren was a member of the Escalon Christian Reformed Church, were he served on the church council as both an elder and a deacon, sang in the church choir when his schedule permitted, spent time on other committees, and served as a Cadet Counselor. He was a man of deep convictions and cared dearly for his church and his church family.
Loren attended and graduated from Ripon Christian schools and spent his whole life in Escalon and the Escalon area, having even been born at the Escalon Hospital . He worked at various jobs until he began the later part of his career in fuel delivery; as a bulk fuel driver, as a dispatcher, and as a delivery driver. He worked most of that career for Paul Oil and WH Breshears.
Loren is survived by his 5 siblings; Chuck (Joyce), Ken (JoAnne), Gerald (Geri),Rita (Scott),and Lynette (Bob); Thirteen nephews and nieces, Casey, Janae(Jared), Mitch (Katie), Brad, John (Brandi), Carrie (John), Corina (Stephane), Renee (Mel), Alice (AC), Tanya (DJ), Christy (Blake), Corey, and Andrew; and his 19 grand nephews and nieces. He was a loving brother and uncle to all of these and many more and will be dearly missed.
Memorials can be made to Escalon Christian Reformed Church, Ripon Christian Schools, or a charity of your choice.