Gerard Van Amstel

Gerard van Amstel passed away at the age of 89 from natural causes at Lancashire Hall, Lancaster, PA.

Gerard was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands in 1925. He survived the WWII German occupation of Holland as a young man, working with the Dutch Resistance Movement against Hitler. After the war he was drafted into the Dutch Army and served for 4 years in Indonesia.

Gerard worked for the Ford Motor Company in Amsterdam where he met his wife Christina who worked for Lucas Bols. They immigrated to the United States in 1956 with their young son Olof.

Gerard graduated from Mankato State University with a degree in Finance. The family lived and worked in 7 different states. Gerard’s last position was Assistant Controller of the United Presbyterian Church in New York City and Louisville, KY.

Gerard is the author of the book, “Look Under the Sheet”, a memoir of his wife’s struggle with Alzheimer’s and the healthcare system.

Gerard is the widower of Christina van Amstel.

Gerard is survived by his children Olof van Amstel, Karen van Amstel, Ellen van Amstel-Oates, his grandchildren Hayley Oates, Sean Oates, Adam Oates, Amanda Oates, Michael Oates and Kristina van Amstel-McLeod.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 29 at 2 PM at the Beck Funeral Home, 315 E. Main St., New Holland, PA. Interment will be in the Cedar Grove Presbyterian Cemetery. Viewing will be held on Monday from 1 – 2 pm at the Funeral Home. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.beckfuneral.com.