JACOB " JAKE" VAN HAL, age 89, of Worthington, died Saturday, March 2, 2013, at the Sanford Worthington Medical Center.  He was born May 25, 1923, on the farm near Holland, MN, to Chris and Gertrude (Miedema) Van Hal, who had both emigrated from Holland.  Jake went to school in Holland, MN and later in North Dakota.  At age 17, he volunteered for four years in the United States Army, during World War II.  During that time, he patrolled the California and Mexico borders, and then traveled overseas to France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Holland and Germany.  Jake was in the Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge.  He traveled by foot most of the time during the war.  He received the Five Star Medal representing the five battles he was in.
Jake married Jeanette Nels of Sheldon, Iowa, on October 25, 1948, in Sheldon, IA.  The couple lived in Worthington all of their married lives.
After his discharge he was a trucker for several years. In 1954 he joined the Worthington Police Department, where he worked for 26 years. He also worked part-time for Ed Blume on his farm.
During his retired years, Jake kept busy and was well known for his sharpening service. His hobbies included a large garden, wood working, hunting and fishing with his friends.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Worthington since 1955.
Jacob is survived by his wife, Jeannette Van Hal, who he was married to for sixty four years; three children, Stephen (Twilla) Van Hal of Lakefield, MN; John (Cathy) Van Hal of Mooresville, IN; and Patricia Van Hal of New Town,  ND; six grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; two brothers, Vance and Chris Van Hal; and three sisters, Gertrude Nels, Maria Schneidermann and Martha Kruger.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Gertrude; two brothers, Harry & Martin Van Hal; and two sisters, Dora Van Dyke & Minnie Hector.
A time of fellowship will from 1 to 2 pm Wednesday at the First Baptist Church in Worthington.  A memorial service will be 2 pm Wednesday at the First Baptist Church, in Worthington, officiated by Rev. Jonah Beckermann.  Burial of cremains will precede the memorial service.
Dingmann Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

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