Gaass, Harry E. 1915-2003

GAASS, VAN WAARDHUIZEN, VER PLOEG

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 6/24/2005 at 15:47:53

PRAIRIE CITY -- Harry E. Gaass, 88, of rural Prairie City, died Monday, Dec. 1 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. at First Reformed Church in Prairie City with Pastor Doug Dobbie officiating. Burial will be at Waveland Cemetery with military rites.

Visitation will be held Thursday after 2 p.m. at Walters Coburn Funeral Home in Prairie City where the family will greet friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Memorials may be given to First Reformed Church.

The son of Edward F. and Henrietta (Van Waardhuizen) Gaass, he was born June 29, 1915 in rural Jasper County. He graduated from Prairie City High School in 1934 and served in the United States Army during World War II. On Dec. 27, 1945 he married Eleanor Ver Ploeg in Pella. He was a member of the First Reformed Church in Prairie City, the Prairie City American Legion and the National Checker Federation. He was a past state champion at checkers and also enjoyed a collection of paddle locks and antique tractors. He farmed in the area throughout his life.

Survivors include a son, Howard Gaass of Sherman Oaks, Calif.; a daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Rick Jennings of Carlisle; three grandchildren, Christy Lindsay and Mark and Brian Steenhoek; three great-grandchildren, Trey Lindsay and Samuel and Olivia Steenhoek; a sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Jerold Steenhoek of Reasnor; and a special friend, Ellen Beukema of Mitchellville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers, Arie, Dirk and Raymond, and a sister, Anna.

Newton Daily News, Wednesday, December 3, 2003