Corstiaan “Corky” Van Eck

Corstiaan “Corky” Van Eck, born on January 7, 1930 to Bastiaan and Annie (Van't Hof) Van Eck, on a farm near Chandler and passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne, MN. He lived a life dedicated to his family and his work.

At the age of 7 he moved with his family to a farm near Ruthton, MN and he attended country school through eighth grade.

Corky proudly served in the United States Army, drafted on October 18, 1951, served in the Korean War and was honorably discharged on July 17, 1953. His military service was a significant part of his life and shaped his character.

Corky married Mary Tims on January 22, 1960 and they were blessed with three children. They worked alongside each other on the farm for many years. Corky was a lifelong farmer, starting his career on the family farm near Ruthton, MN, where he worked alongside his father before continuing with his son. In June of 2006, he moved to Chandler, MN, but remained closely connected to the land, driving out to help on the farm every day. His commitment to farming was not only a job but a way of life that instilled values of perseverance and dedication in his children.

In addition to farming, Corky cherished his time spent with family, particularly with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his life. He was known for his fun-loving nature, quiet demeanor, and good sense of humor, which endeared him to many.

Each year from 2000 to 2024, he would eagerly anticipate the three months he and Mary spent in Mission, Texas, where he engaged in park activities such as shuffleboard and swimming, and various other activities.

Corky was a devoted member of the Chandler Reformed Church, where he actively contributed by serving as both Deacon and Elder. His dedication was evident not only through his service but also through the pride he took in his family and their accomplishments.

Corky is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Van Eck, along with his children: Betty (Brad) Harms, Donald (Sandy) Van Eck, and Linda (Curt) Zwart. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren and a cherished great-grandfather to eleven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Jenny (Bob) Van Roekel, and his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Ted Lyzenga, John Tims, Janice Van Eck, Joann Lyzenga, and Jeanette Tims.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bastiaan and Annie; siblings: Margaret (Albert) Eisfeld, Annette (Herman) Eisfeld, John (Gerdena) Van Eck, Cornelia (Mike) Bodewitz, Nellie (Lester) Ellgen, Hugo (Beulah) Van Eck, Bastiaan Van Eck, and Annie (Richard) Severeid, along with one infant great-grandchild, Clara Schaap.

Visitation will be held at Chandler Reformed Church on January 26, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. A funeral service honoring Corky’s life will take place at the same church on January 27, 2026, beginning at 10:30 AM, followed by burial at Chandler Memorial Cemetery at 11:00 AM.